front end tlc

[wedgtable]

Hello again,
Slowly but surely I am ironing problems out with my small budget. Things like the screw that went side ways through the rear tyre tread leading to 2 new tyres don't help the budget plan but.....

Next Problems: Off side front is lower than rest of car, am I going to have to replace all of the front shocks and springs or is there a way of checking which component is tired out, without having to pay a professional? not that I am against proffesionals but I want to learn myself.

Also my steering moans at me, feels heavy and tugs then slackens off. there is fluid leaking from somewhere but the P/S level remains high. Will a new P/S pump fix this, can I get it recond for less money.

Any one know the cost of poly bushes for the front end and how easy they are to fit? also are there any other bits that would be worth replacing on the front?

Finally I am around in sussex for 3 weeks, finally a base for a while. Is there any one around that I could meet up with to chat wedgely about things. I haven't been able to get to any meets and am desperate to meet some people, look at other cars, get some ideas and get a bit more involved.

cheers again,
Mike

[wedg1e]

First, it's not unknown for the shell to be sat unevenly on the chassis. There are a number of packing rubbers that deteriorate with time.
Next, the 'moaning then slackening off' could be a bent rack or something as daft as a seized balljoint or track rod end.

Sounds like you need a strip-down

[wedgtable]

I agree a strip down is probably the future. I just can't bring my self to put it in the garage for long enough!!!!

[Number 7]

wedgtable said:

Hello again, Slowly but surely I am ironing problems out with my small budget. Things like the screw that went side ways through the rear tyre tread leading to 2 new tyres don't help the budget plan but..... Next Problems: Off side front is lower than rest of car, am I going to have to replace all of the front shocks and springs or is there a way of checking which component is tired out, without having to pay a professional? not that I am against proffesionals but I want to learn myself. Also my steering moans at me, feels heavy and tugs then slackens off. there is fluid leaking from somewhere but the P/S level remains high. Will a new P/S pump fix this, can I get it recond for less money. Any one know the cost of poly bushes for the front end and how easy they are to fit? also are there any other bits that would be worth replacing on the front? Finally I am around in sussex for 3 weeks, finally a base for a while. Is there any one around that I could meet up with to chat wedgely about things. I haven't been able to get to any meets and am desperate to meet some people, look at other cars, get some ideas and get a bit more involved. cheers again, Mike

As Wedg1e says, bodies can sag due to the unevenness of the rubber packing, typically on the o/s where the greater weight of the driver has an effect. Springs can also sometimes get a bit tired, but I wouldn't have thought to a degree that would be easily visible. A good indication of the state of things with the steering/front suspension will be the front tyre wear - is it fairly even across the tyre , and n/s - o/s? The last MOT may have given some clue as to items that were likely to need attention in the future. As for the leak, is it definitely red pas fluid? A recon. pump cost me c. £100 not long ago (or it should have, but that's a long story). Steering could also be one of the uj's in the shaft, or the bulkhead bush/bearing.

For bushes, see [url]www.superflex.co.uk/SuperFlex_TVR_Wedge,_Chimaera_&_Griffith_Prices.pdf[/url]

Although I'm in Kent, I'm around quite a bit at the moment, so if you don't mind the drive, feel free to get in touch.

7.

[timpailthorpe]

wedgtable said:

Off side front is lower than rest of car, am I going to have to replace all of the front shocks and springs or is there a way of checking which component is tired out

Worn shocks will not make it sit lower. They just damp the movement. Check any rubber for compression due to use and check the spring. It is not unknown for a spring to break and drop a few inches but still be springy.


Tim.

[adam quantrill]

The PAS problem could be engine oil leaking onto the PAS drive belt or pulleys.

Try putting a couple of drops of neat washing-up liquid onto the belt to disperse the oil.

- Adam

[SEvans]

If you measure from floor to chassis and then floor to body it should tell you if it's a problem with the suspension or just how the body sits on the chassis. Having looked at a few cars it's not uncommon for it just to be how the body sits on the chassis.
If you are going to take the front suspension apart it would be worth checking the bushes, ball joints and bearings at the same time. Getting the springs back on is one of my least favorite jobs.
The ball joints appear reqularly on ebay, as do the bushes, they are all Cortina MK5. It's possible to upgrade to poly or nylon bushes but if you are on a budget then I would think fitting standard stuff would be cheaper. Also worth fitting adjustable dampers if you need new ones. Springs you can get for around £25 each if required.
With the steering check the uv joints on the link between the bulkhead and steering rack. These get lots of crud thrown at them.

[wedgtable]

Thanks for your replies everyone. The car is now up in the air wheels off and waiting for my bible to arrive. Unfortunately this means I can't come out to play for a while, but then again I can't get to the garage for fuel because of the panic buyers!!!
Looking under the car, there is so much I wih I had the money to do. But I have settled on Poly bushes as the rear has been done already, Springs ( as I think they are the problem)and a set of Steves drop links. Plus anything else I break on route!
The dampers/shocks are Konis. Are these standard for a 350i? they look pretty new judging from the threads at the top.
The body seems to be sitting evenly so i think that one is out and the springs are pretty rusty and flakey, although I need to have another look for breakage.
The rubbers on the ARB/Chassis do not sit tight around it is that right?
I will check the oil on belt there is alot of gunge under there, presumabley to protect the chassis
Does any one know where I might get a price for new springs at this time of night? Or will I have to wait. £25 seems very cheap for new ones!
Many thanks again you guys are always so helpful and i hope one day I can return the favour.

[waynester]

RT have a catalogue you can download. I ordered my suspender bits from them.

www.rtracing.co.uk/40000/info.php?p=2&pno=0



>> Edited by waynester on Wednesday 14th September 07:32

[Number 7]

wedgtable said:

Thanks for your replies everyone. The car is now up in the air wheels off and waiting for my bible to arrive. Unfortunately this means I can't come out to play for a while, but then again I can't get to the garage for fuel because of the panic buyers!!! Looking under the car, there is so much I wih I had the money to do. But I have settled on Poly bushes as the rear has been done already, Springs ( as I think they are the problem)and a set of Steves drop links. Plus anything else I break on route! The dampers/shocks are Konis. Are these standard for a 350i? they look pretty new judging from the threads at the top. The body seems to be sitting evenly so i think that one is out and the springs are pretty rusty and flakey, although I need to have another look for breakage. The rubbers on the ARB/Chassis do not sit tight around it is that right? I will check the oil on belt there is alot of gunge under there, presumabley to protect the chassis Does any one know where I might get a price for new springs at this time of night? Or will I have to wait. £25 seems very cheap for new ones! Many thanks again you guys are always so helpful and i hope one day I can return the favour.

The last 2 Wedges I've had came with Konis, which I'm sure were factory fitted. Only adjustable off the car. The ARB bushes should sit fairly tight to the chassis, but the clamps do have a habit of popping off - they're only fixed with one bolt and a metal tag through the chassis. If they've come out, quite likely to be deformed. There's a mod detailed in the Bible to prevent this happening.

7.

[JR]

Number 7 said:

wedgtable said: The dampers/shocks are Konis. Are these standard for a 350i? The last 2 Wedges I've had came with Konis, which I'm sure were factory fitted.

The 350i had Armstrong dampers fitted as standard.

[JR]

wedgtable said:

The rubbers on the ARB/Chassis do not sit tight around it is that right?

No. How are they not tight?