Anyone done a diff access removable panel?

[njhucker]

My rear discs need replacing. I last did them 6 years ago, and remember it being a frustrating job, due to the access. Both my Taimar and my Healey have access panels above the discs, and I believe the Astons which use the same setup as a wedge also have an access panel. My Wedge is presently living outside due to my Taimar being in bits in the garage, and I would therefore like to make this job as quick and simple as possible. My thoughts are to make the boot carpet removable ,cut out a panel and frame it with some alloy t section, which would allow the inboard brakes to be worked on from above. Any thoughts?

[pk500]

Just drop diff out you can get to everything then

[colin mee]

I dropped mine .except for the 2 long bolt at was easy.

[KKson]

On one of his previous project Wedges I remember Glen Wilson cut a suitable access hatch above the diff and then made a tidy plate to bolt back down on it afterwards.

[adam quantrill]

colin mee said:

I dropped mine .except for the 2 long bolt at was easy.

Which 2 long bolts are you referring to Colin?

[colin mee]

The ones that go through the shock absorbers. It's about 6" long .colin

[adam quantrill]

Got you - best to leave that alone if not needed to refurb, and just undo the shocks at the top.

[colin mee]

Yes.if you can get to them.I have 3rd tank on mine that was in the way

[BIG DUNC]

I considered doing this when I had my 350i.
In the end I decided that it would be quicker just changing the discs than cutting a hole in the floor, changing the discs and then re-sealing the hole in the floor and making it look nice from inside the car.

[njhucker]

Thanks for the responses. Had a measure up today and cutting a hole would certainly make it easier to get to the top caliper bolts,but will not give enough room to change pads, adjust handbrake cable etc. So will try without firstly. I did do the job 6 yrs ago, but had my garage free then.

[gmw9666]

Having done this via the hatch method in the past I would recommend dropping the diff out. If I was to do it again dropping it whilst sounding like a lot of work is way better

It will be quicker and easier in the long run and saves your hands getting ripped to shreds lol

It’s just nuts and bolts and way less fiddly with the diff out as you can get to everything