rover3l123
Rover Fanatic
Originally from Llangollen area North Wales and relocated to the US in 1995 with the P5
Posts: 174
|
Post by rover3l123 on Jan 16, 2021 21:12:37 GMT
Recently had all of the front suspension bushings replaced using parts from Wadhams. This was a project beyond my capabilities and so I entrusted it to a local workshop. While we were at it, the various removable suspension parts were sandblasted and epoxy coated. I still have some heavy clunking at the front end, but they did find that two engine bushings were in bad shape and I am not sure about the sub frame mounts. Anyway here is a photo of the front end which now shows up the general surface corrosion of the surrounding metal.
|
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on Jan 16, 2021 21:54:11 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on Jan 16, 2021 22:05:15 GMT
Please note that the brake hose in the image below may now be compromised as it has been placed under extreme tension by virtue of it having been 'caught/snagged' by the top sway bar link!  |
|
rover3l123
Rover Fanatic
Originally from Llangollen area North Wales and relocated to the US in 1995 with the P5
Posts: 174
|
Post by rover3l123 on Jan 16, 2021 22:27:26 GMT
Thank you for pointing that out, I will investigate and of course check the other side also
|
|
rover3l123
Rover Fanatic
Originally from Llangollen area North Wales and relocated to the US in 1995 with the P5
Posts: 174
|
Post by rover3l123 on Jan 17, 2021 19:55:48 GMT
Checked both sides and neither side has the flexihose catching on the anti-roll bar. So the question why is did it show that in my earlier photo. I thought after that I probably took the photo when I had the steering on full lock and so I just went out to verify that. This is a photo of the hose when the steering is at full lock and it looks as if it is catching.  But when viewed from above it is not actually catching and there is a good clearance. See below. When the wheels are in the straight ahead position there is a much shallower bend in the flexihose, presumably as expected.  |
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on Jan 17, 2021 21:37:10 GMT
There's something wrong with that hose fitting causing it to develop a right angle bend. For that to occur something is placing load on the hose...possibly during suspension movement? The car has a single circuit hydraulic brake system, a fault at any point means complete brake failure.
Don't surmise or wishfully think there's not an issue presenting itself. Verify the length, fitting and orientation of the
current hydraulic hoses perhaps with another P5.
|
|
rover3l123
Rover Fanatic
Originally from Llangollen area North Wales and relocated to the US in 1995 with the P5
Posts: 174
|
Post by rover3l123 on Jan 17, 2021 21:53:33 GMT
Does anyone following this post possibly have a spare flex-hose for the front braking system that they could measure per Enigma's suggestion? Also if anyone has time, it would be helpful to know how the hose looks in the straight ahead position versus at full lock.
Enigma, I hear you loud and clear on the single circuit point and realize I need to resolve this and verify from photo's from other members how these hoses are supposed to align. I do thank you for catching this and alerting me to it.
|
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on Jan 17, 2021 22:28:32 GMT
Unfortunately the front brakes on my MK3 coupe are custom (non standard) so I can't assist on original length and orientation.   |
|
|
|
Post by Ken Nelson on Jan 17, 2021 22:30:46 GMT
My front brake flex hose is 12" from the beginning of the threaded section on each end on my P5. Attachments:
|
|
rover3l123
Rover Fanatic
Originally from Llangollen area North Wales and relocated to the US in 1995 with the P5
Posts: 174
|
Post by rover3l123 on Jan 17, 2021 23:40:51 GMT
12 inches also for mine. Maybe it is just the age of the hoses. They were replaced about 15 years ago but possibly they have deteriorated inside. Time to get some new ones to be safe
|
|
rover3l123
Rover Fanatic
Originally from Llangollen area North Wales and relocated to the US in 1995 with the P5
Posts: 174
|
Post by rover3l123 on Jan 17, 2021 23:41:58 GMT
Unfortunately the front brakes on my MK3 coupe are custom (non standard) so I can't assist on original length and orientation. Nice brakes - time for a hose upgrade in my case methinks |
|
|
|
Post by lagain on Jan 18, 2021 18:37:23 GMT
|
|
rover3l123
Rover Fanatic
Originally from Llangollen area North Wales and relocated to the US in 1995 with the P5
Posts: 174
|
Post by rover3l123 on Jan 18, 2021 19:58:59 GMT
Thank you Ian for the recommendation
|
|
|
|
Post by Ken Nelson on Mar 19, 2021 19:21:01 GMT
With regard to David's original comment about the heavy clunking at the front end persisting about his suspension rebuild: I also had clunking that lead me to replace all the front bushes as well as refurbishing and greasing the ball joints and tie rod ends. I was just able to get the car out to try it out and I think the clunking is cured overall. I suspect that the ride would even be better with new subframe mounts, but for now I'm content to leave it as is after all that time consuming work. I'll be putting the car through it's paces over the next few months and am hopeful that all will continue well. If not, I'll report back.
|
|
|
|
Post by enigmas on Mar 20, 2021 1:33:33 GMT
Ken...If the subframe mounts are an issue (age related, rotton, tired, falling apart) simply weld the pieces that comprise the mount together. Generally it's only the front 4 that require replacing. Your front subframe will thank you for it and will no longer move about like jelly under the body. Braking and steering will also improve for obvious reasons. There is a whole thread on this simple and cheap mod. The Ride will also improve as the subframe can no longer squirm about under the car.  |
|
|
|
Post by Ken Nelson on Mar 20, 2021 3:22:01 GMT
Thanks Vince, if need be I'll consider that, but I am leery of trying to get those subframe mounts off with the engine in the car. Is it possible to weld the sections of the surmount together without removing it from the car?
|
|
