Suspension Refresh And Garage Space

[@ndy]

Removing the clams make's it much easier and gives you loads of room, It also gives you a chance to give everything else a good check and clean.

[jody391]

Hey guys well today it all started!....

 

Russ I have followed your idea and setup so I can move things around.

 

KJ I promise that you shall see your ball joint tool again this year! Much appreciated.

 

Kosmo I wanted to remove the clams but have no room to store them so decided to struggle my way around.

 

Martin wow it is tight squeezing around the car!

 

So I started this afternoon around 1 and have just eaten my dinner, all the rear end has been removed and I just need to clamp the ball joints up as they are spinning whilst I'm turning! They have split though of the tapper.

 

All ball joints are knackered, but bushes seem ok but they shall be changed anyway.

 

The N/S rear bearing had started to whine a little, I couldn't remove the brake disc at all so left it in place, when I tapped the drive shaft through the bearing had collapsed and the hub and disc just floats around!! ( really lucky with this )

 

More fun tomorrow!

[Martin R]

IIRC, some ball joints have a allen key slot at the top of the thread. You can use this to stop them turning if its there. falling that you will have to clamp it in the plinth with a g clamp or the like.

[jody391]

Hey Martin yeah these don't have the Allen key in the top unfortunately!

 

I'll get the mole grips on them tomorrow.

[DeanB]

Sounds good mate. I know you've been itching to get started on this for months.

[KurtB]

I watch with keen interest Jody, my Exige is on wooden blocks (wheels and under trays removed) waiting to start this work. Our daughter keeps me occupied way to much though, so it's not ideal timing at the mo. I've noted a coolant seep and a fair misting of oil over the sump, along with a leaking exhaust flexi joint! Big bills ahoy, as I contemplate a full 2bular system inc manifold. Oh and the exhaust heat shield is past its best. Perhaps it'd be better to do jobs like this with eyes tight shut...

 

Good luck mate, keep up the good work.

[jody391]

Cheers Dean/Kurt I had not planned to start it this year at all in fact I had planned for a February start!

 

But something clicked yesterday! It's a good job I did as the N/S wheel bearing has collapsed!!!!

Back out there now!

[jody391]

Well today was spent stripping down the ally uprights and removing the ball joints and bushes.

 

One of the bearings had picked up a little, the hub has sufficient marking on for me to want to not use it again!

 

 

Also partially cleaned the uprights, they will be cleaned a little further later.

[AlanS1]

Jody - Looks like its "suspension refresh" week

 

My rear suspension is also all stripped off the car. However the balljoints and wheel bearings are all good, so they can stay on.

 

I am thinking of painting the wishbones with black Hamerite(smooth)? Might even paint the Ally uprights?

 

Alan

[jonnyfox]

I used Hammerite on a few bits on my car and it was really crap.

[AlanS1]

I used Hammerite on a few bits on my car and it was really crap.

 

In what way was it "crap"?

[jonnyfox]

Took ages to dry and came away with the slightest knock.

 

Edit, I think I recall reading on here that since it became water based it wasn't as good as before.

[AlanS1]

As i already have some in the garage i will try on one of the wishbones and see from there.

I know it used to be ok?

 

If this works out not suitable is there any other options apart from the expensive POR 15?

[fentuz]

Por 15 remains the best product. I was advised to get in little pots as a big pot may be wasted if not fully used.

[jody391]

Well the wishbones have been painted in 2 PAC Gentian blue.

 

New Hub and Bearings ordered let the assembly commence.