Rear Suspension Overhaul

[Guy Mayers]

Springs are fine, they were replaced a few years ago and have plenty of life left in them. Unlike the rest of the far suspension components!

Rear shock seals both failed and struts look like they've been weeping. The other slight problem is that the nuts were seized solid and wouldn't shift, 10 minutes with a drill and the pilot hole was enlarged enough to split the thread and remove both which revealed a more serious seizure. the bush in the top mount to the strut. Despite soaking in penetrating oil all weekend and being under pressure from a gear puller there's no sign of them parting company so it looks like I'm going to have bite the bullet and replace the top mounts and struts. Oh well.... This time I'll use a little more grease!

Guy

[GrahamH]

Not great news for you. how old are your rear shocks/top mounts? regular servicing is the only real way to keep these bits in top condition. A good blast with WD40 after a rainy day and clean off when you have more time may help. Used that on my mountain bike and Gp4 Escort for years and kept corrosion away until I had time to clean thorughly.

Good luck.

Graham

[shakey5]

Springs are fine, they were replaced a few years ago and have plenty of life left in them. Unlike the rest of the far suspension components!

Rear shock seals both failed and struts look like they've been weeping. The other slight problem is that the nuts were seized solid and wouldn't shift, 10 minutes with a drill and the pilot hole was enlarged enough to split the thread and remove both which revealed a more serious seizure. the bush in the top mount to the strut. Despite soaking in penetrating oil all weekend and being under pressure from a gear puller there's no sign of them parting company so it looks like I'm going to have bite the bullet and replace the top mounts and struts. Oh well.... This time I'll use a little more grease!

Guy

Guy - is it possible to get a blow torch or similar on the bush to heat/expand it enough to hit off, without melting or burning anything?

Mike

[Guy Mayers]

Guy - is it possible to get a blow torch or similar on the bush to heat/expand it enough to hit off, without melting or burning anything?

Mike

No Mike - the bush is about 3cm across and bonded to the rubber part of the top mount. The top mounts are from my donor car, vintage 1978 and were in pretty good condition despite their age. I suspect that destroying the strut is the solution as I'll be able to press out the remains without too much trouble. Probably going solid mount even though!

Guy