The £200 Alfa...
Discussion
As suspected;
And to further compound things the rear seat backs wouldn't fold meaning we had to figure a way of getting them out without access to several bolts.
Ended up taking all of this out just to get at the tstrut tops...
And, typically the section of the strut bolts was corroded to the point where an impact gun and large hammer was required to remove it.
And to further compound things the rear seat backs wouldn't fold meaning we had to figure a way of getting them out without access to several bolts.
Ended up taking all of this out just to get at the t
strut tops...And, typically the section of the strut bolts was corroded to the point where an impact gun and large hammer was required to remove it.
Edited by Zombie on Saturday 13th August 20:39
Edited by Zombie on Saturday 13th August 20:42
Moving back to the front. Think this is only the 4th time we've had the offside corner apart this month...
Compressing the front coil springs is always a right pita as they're such a small diameter and the spring compressors try to jump off them. If anyone has any suggestions for a make that will work effectively, I'd appreciate it.
The offside shock was also knackered, leaking oil, but at least the springs are OK.
Shiny new(ish) replacements from a GTA
Oddly, it seems that we've not had the nearside front suspension apart, as the alloy fork (links the shock to the lower arm and not shown in the pic) is firmly attached to the old shock. It's usually a full day's work to separate the two parts but we have a spare fork and pinch bolt, used that to put it back together. Not being able to separate the fork makes getting the shock out from under the wing a right mission though.
And then we found the spring was broken, so they're scrap as well as the shocks. Bugger.
And the upper arm was worn out... Great. We have another new, genuine Alfa part in the spares bin though.
And then I started putting the back of the car back together again, but of course not before I've taken the rest of the trim out and given it a hover;
Compressing the front coil springs is always a right pita as they're such a small diameter and the spring compressors try to jump off them. If anyone has any suggestions for a make that will work effectively, I'd appreciate it.
The offside shock was also knackered, leaking oil, but at least the springs are OK.
Shiny new(ish) replacements from a GTA
Oddly, it seems that we've not had the nearside front suspension apart, as the alloy fork (links the shock to the lower arm and not shown in the pic) is firmly attached to the old shock. It's usually a full day's work to separate the two parts but we have a spare fork and pinch bolt, used that to put it back together. Not being able to separate the fork makes getting the shock out from under the wing a right mission though.
And then we found the spring was broken, so they're scrap as well as the shocks. Bugger.
And the upper arm was worn out... Great. We have another new, genuine Alfa part in the spares bin though.
And then I started putting the back of the car back together again, but of course not before I've taken the rest of the trim out and given it a hover;
Edited by Zombie on Saturday 13th August 21:21
threadlock said:
Your persistence is amazing! Interesting thread. Thanks for all the updates.
Thanks 
threadlock said:
This number of problems can't be normal, surely, or nobody would want to own an Alfa?
Hmm. It's 12 years old and has done 150k. I don't think it's any worse than any other comparable german make that are perceived to be reliable.
I bought it as a non runner after all.
To get it up and running it had
2nd hand, proven injectors
New MAF
New MAP
2nd hand fuel pressure regulator
New injector seals
Thermostat
The failed turbo falls into this category too and it's demise was likely accelerated by the remap.
Bits that have broken
Rear wash wipe
Electric Window Switch
Bits that have worn out / failed
Early 2015 - Track control arm
Early 2015 - 4 Tyres
27/03/15 - O/S Driveshaft
27/03/15 - O/S Upper arm
11/04/15 - Nearside Driveshaft
29/02/16 - Windscreen
08/05/16 - Small amount of rust in floorpan repaired
03/06/16 - O/S Upper arm
03/06/16 - O/S front drop link
31/07/16 - O/S CV Boot
31/07/16 - O/S Lower arm
31/07/16 - 2 Tyres
13/08/16 - Springs & Dampers
13/08/16 - N/S Upper arm
Upgrades
Early 2015 - Cruise Control
Early 2015 - Bi Xenon projector lenses
16/03/15 - EGR Delete
04/04/15 - GTA interior
06/09/15 - Bose
Routine maintenance
Early 2015 - Oil & Filter / Pollen Filter
27/05/16 - Air Filter
11/06/16 - Oil & Filter
07/08/16 - Cambelt & waterpump
Everything else relates to the original problems with the engine and my inability to find the problem.
Zombie said:
It's 12 years old and has done 150k. I don't think it's any worse than any other comparable german make that are perceived to be reliable.
I bought it as a non runner after all.
Yeah, that's fair enough I suppose. Listed out like that the work doesn't look as bad as I'd thought. My 2002 200k mile Saab had many little issues too along the same lines, but I guess I was lucky that none of them needed the lengthy diagnosis that you've had to go through at times.I bought it as a non runner after all.
These cars are well worth saving/restoring/looking after...!
I am a bit biased though as I have a 2005 156 JTDM 150 Remapped.
I had the same issue with the suspension cup etc, but in the end had almost the whole rear of the rear suspension rebuilt. In time it will need the front suspension doing, but I am tempted to get the Eibach/Bilstein kit and do both the front and rear properly. Mine has about 130,000 on the clock ( I have done 60,000 of those ) and I can honestly say it is the best car I have owned....although the previous 2000 156 1.8TS was a close second!
Unless you have owned/driven an Alfa....you will not understand why they are so special compared to most other affordable cars.
I am a bit biased though as I have a 2005 156 JTDM 150 Remapped.
I had the same issue with the suspension cup etc, but in the end had almost the whole rear of the rear suspension rebuilt. In time it will need the front suspension doing, but I am tempted to get the Eibach/Bilstein kit and do both the front and rear properly. Mine has about 130,000 on the clock ( I have done 60,000 of those ) and I can honestly say it is the best car I have owned....although the previous 2000 156 1.8TS was a close second!
Unless you have owned/driven an Alfa....you will not understand why they are so special compared to most other affordable cars.
Zombie said:
It's 12 years old and has done 150k. I don't think it's any worse than any other comparable german make that are perceived to be reliable.
I bought it as a non runner after all.
To get it up and running it had
2nd hand, proven injectors
New MAF
New MAP
2nd hand fuel pressure regulator
New injector seals
Thermostat
The failed turbo falls into this category too and it's demise was likely accelerated by the remap.
Bits that have broken
Rear wash wipe
Electric Window Switch
Bits that have worn out / failed
Early 2015 - Track control arm
Early 2015 - 4 Tyres
27/03/15 - O/S Driveshaft
27/03/15 - O/S Upper arm
11/04/15 - Nearside Driveshaft
29/02/16 - Windscreen
08/05/16 - Small amount of rust in floorpan repaired
03/06/16 - O/S Upper arm
03/06/16 - O/S front drop link
31/07/16 - O/S CV Boot
31/07/16 - O/S Lower arm
31/07/16 - 2 Tyres
13/08/16 - Springs & Dampers
13/08/16 - N/S Upper arm
Upgrades
Early 2015 - Cruise Control
Early 2015 - Bi Xenon projector lenses
16/03/15 - EGR Delete
04/04/15 - GTA interior
06/09/15 - Bose
Routine maintenance
Early 2015 - Oil & Filter / Pollen Filter
27/05/16 - Air Filter
11/06/16 - Oil & Filter
07/08/16 - Cambelt & waterpump
Everything else relates to the original problems with the engine and my inability to find the problem.
I mean, with all due respect, that is a MASSIVE list of failed/replaced parts on such a young car. I know it's popular to knock German build/reliability on PH, but that's a truly staggering amount of failure (including semi-structural rust!) on such a young car.I bought it as a non runner after all.
To get it up and running it had
2nd hand, proven injectors
New MAF
New MAP
2nd hand fuel pressure regulator
New injector seals
Thermostat
The failed turbo falls into this category too and it's demise was likely accelerated by the remap.
Bits that have broken
Rear wash wipe
Electric Window Switch
Bits that have worn out / failed
Early 2015 - Track control arm
Early 2015 - 4 Tyres
27/03/15 - O/S Driveshaft
27/03/15 - O/S Upper arm
11/04/15 - Nearside Driveshaft
29/02/16 - Windscreen
08/05/16 - Small amount of rust in floorpan repaired
03/06/16 - O/S Upper arm
03/06/16 - O/S front drop link
31/07/16 - O/S CV Boot
31/07/16 - O/S Lower arm
31/07/16 - 2 Tyres
13/08/16 - Springs & Dampers
13/08/16 - N/S Upper arm
Upgrades
Early 2015 - Cruise Control
Early 2015 - Bi Xenon projector lenses
16/03/15 - EGR Delete
04/04/15 - GTA interior
06/09/15 - Bose
Routine maintenance
Early 2015 - Oil & Filter / Pollen Filter
27/05/16 - Air Filter
11/06/16 - Oil & Filter
07/08/16 - Cambelt & waterpump
Everything else relates to the original problems with the engine and my inability to find the problem.
I realise it was bought cheaply and all, and I absolutely envy you for having the time/patience to rebuild it, but surely you've spent way beyond the car's value (and that of a working one you could have bought instead) all to leave you with a diesel Alfa estate.
I guess this is a hobby, after all. And we're not all in it for the sake of good financial sense (I own 3 cars, and did 5k miles last year).
Young? As I said, it's 12 years old and has done 150,000 miles!
Cost of repairs have not exceeded its resale value and that includes over 18 months of use as my daily drive.
Previous owner has a Jetski and it therefore probably spent time on the beach, which may explain the rust. But lets remember here it's the koni dampers and german springs that failed, not OEM units.
The rest of it is mostly suspension bushes and they're (156s) known for chewing the ones on the front axle, particularly those fitted to cheap pattern components. I think that their wear rate could also be attributed to the rock hard suspension and remap.
It wasn't exactly a standard car afterall.
The garage I work at part time is a Land Rover / Volvo specialist and I have not seen anything that makes me think these makes are significantly more reliable - dicso 3's seem worse and the arms fitted to them are £200 each plus fitting!
If anything, my experiences with this car just demonstrate the issues modifications can cause than anything else.
Cost of repairs have not exceeded its resale value and that includes over 18 months of use as my daily drive.
Previous owner has a Jetski and it therefore probably spent time on the beach, which may explain the rust. But lets remember here it's the koni dampers and german springs that failed, not OEM units.
The rest of it is mostly suspension bushes and they're (156s) known for chewing the ones on the front axle, particularly those fitted to cheap pattern components. I think that their wear rate could also be attributed to the rock hard suspension and remap.
It wasn't exactly a standard car afterall.
The garage I work at part time is a Land Rover / Volvo specialist and I have not seen anything that makes me think these makes are significantly more reliable - dicso 3's seem worse and the arms fitted to them are £200 each plus fitting!
If anything, my experiences with this car just demonstrate the issues modifications can cause than anything else.
Edited by Zombie on Tuesday 16th August 14:12
Edited by Zombie on Tuesday 16th August 17:01
C70R said:
I mean, with all due respect, that is a MASSIVE list of failed/replaced parts on such a young car. I know it's popular to knock German build/reliability on PH, but that's a truly staggering amount of failure (including semi-structural rust!) on such a young car.
I realise it was bought cheaply and all, and I absolutely envy you for having the time/patience to rebuild it, but surely you've spent way beyond the car's value (and that of a working one you could have bought instead) all to leave you with a diesel Alfa estate.
I guess this is a hobby, after all. And we're not all in it for the sake of good financial sense (I own 3 cars, and did 5k miles last year).
It's not a young car, though, is it? It's 12 years old, and that list includes tyres, windscreen, & service items - which any car will need over time, anyway. 3 cars to do 5k a year? That's more of a waste in my view!I realise it was bought cheaply and all, and I absolutely envy you for having the time/patience to rebuild it, but surely you've spent way beyond the car's value (and that of a working one you could have bought instead) all to leave you with a diesel Alfa estate.
I guess this is a hobby, after all. And we're not all in it for the sake of good financial sense (I own 3 cars, and did 5k miles last year).
I think that was C70's point...
That 'he' and the OP are both enthusiasts, both wasting their resources but from different positions.
I don't think either can be viewed as better or worse...
If you love a car/brand THAT much then why not through your time, effort and money at them?
If you love cars in general, why not try and get a 'garage' that covers multiple bases..?
S'all good.
Great thread btw, despite the obvious frustrations, it makes for an inspiring read
That 'he' and the OP are both enthusiasts, both wasting their resources but from different positions.
I don't think either can be viewed as better or worse...
If you love a car/brand THAT much then why not through your time, effort and money at them?
If you love cars in general, why not try and get a 'garage' that covers multiple bases..?
S'all good.
Great thread btw, despite the obvious frustrations, it makes for an inspiring read
Sorry if I was unclear, but I've actually seen proper 30-40 year-old classics in better shape than that underneath. My Volvo C70 was 15yo (including a number of years on the South coast) with 140k on it when I sold it, and it was immaculate underneath in spite of a lack of real effort at maintenance/cleaning under there.
For me, that's pretty shocking deterioration from a relatively young car.
However, the upshot was that I agreed that it didn't need to be a series of decision that you had to defend on the grounds of financial sense. Just enjoy what you're doing.
For me, that's pretty shocking deterioration from a relatively young car.
However, the upshot was that I agreed that it didn't need to be a series of decision that you had to defend on the grounds of financial sense. Just enjoy what you're doing.
Quality control was always hit and miss at the naples plant depending on build year. These cars are worth saving, especially the V6s, alfa were always famous (for the wrong or right way!) its petrol engines, in a strange twist the diesels are good too. The 156 was the first production car to have a common rail diesel engine, before fiat sold the technology to Bosch, so love diesels or hate them, that must count for something?
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