Steve: Changing dampers

[xain]

Steve,
I have your book, and it mentions about compressing the spring, but nothing about removing the dampers. They look pretty straighforward except for the bottom bolt on the front wishbone, which may be dificult to get to.

Do you have any tips for this? Also, what is the correct torque for these bolts?

Thanks
Jon

[philshort]

Its not that bad, a decent ring spanner will do the job. You need to loosen the nut off part way then lever the end of the bolt with a large screwdriver or similar to get some clearance, otherwise there isn't enough room to get the nut off.

When replacing, put the bolt back in from the correct side, its asymettrical and its easy to get the bolt wedged tight if you try from the wrong side. Don't ask how I know that!

Not sure you'll get a torque wrench in there to tighten. Its a good solid bolt, I'd recommend "good and tight", with an extra 1/4 turn for luck.

[thegamekeeper]

dont forget to use copper grease on the bolt before you put it back and always use a NEW nyloc nut.

[xain]

Thanks guys. Last time I did this on an Integra, the bolts had rusted solid into the bushes and had to be cut out with an angle grinder. Did you find that here? They've probably been better lubricated in the Tiv with all that servicing.

[shpub]

I see someone beat me to it. I have a deeply offset narrow ring spanner which I bought in France that is just dandy for this.

Steve

[xain]

Gamekeeper, where did you get the new nuts? From TVR?

[nashy]

What do you guys all use to get under you cars? Do you all have hydraulic ramps fitted in your garage or have you excavated a pit?! Is a trolley jack and a couple of axle stands sufficient for minor check overs/maintenance/oil changes etc?

[shpub]

quote:
What do you guys all use to get under you cars? Do you all have hydraulic ramps fitted in your garage or have you excavated a pit?! Is a trolley jack and a couple of axle stands sufficient for minor check overs/maintenance/oil changes etc?

Basically yes. Jack and ramps works well but you have to be prepared to work flat on your back!

As for nuts... TVR will have them but they are a standard thread and size so any decent garage/spares place should have them. Take the bolt and nut with you. If you can't get a replacement, apply Loctite just to make sure the thing doesn't come off.

Steve

[nashy]

What do you guys all use to get under you cars? Do you all have hydraulic ramps fitted in your garage or have you excavated a pit?! Is a trolley jack and a couple of axle stands sufficient for minor check overs/maintenance/oil changes etc?

[philshort]

Yup, I moved house from next door to get a corner plot which allowed me to install a second 24ft x 12ft garage, with a 6ftx3ft pit, along with a new 40ft driveway, just so I could pamper my Chimaera.

Incidentally, if anyone in the Rugby/Warwickshire area is in need of a pit to some quick work under their car, drop me an email and we'll sort something out. No overnight stays though, its the Chimaera's home after all!

[nashy]

Now THAT'S dedication.