31 replies to this topic

[A362 TTU]

Hey guys i am looking for a bit of help here.

My car is simply too low at the back and scrapes everywhere when someones in the back, I presume its suspension cones.

Im buying 2 of these - http://www.minispare...id=34436&title=

Do i need any specialist tools to fit them? My car has hi-lo's fitted if it makes a difference.

My main question is does anyone have a guide on doing this job? i have looked in my haynes manual but wondered if there is anything with pictures/more detailed.

Thanks!

[Alex_B]

If its got Hilows can you not just adjust the height up a bit ?

[Tamworthbay]

The ally trumpet can be a pig to separate from the cone so soak in penetrating oil (plusgas or similar) for a few days before. If it still sticks use a chisel between the cone and trumpet. Sometimes they just fall out, if you are lucky, and sometimes they can be really stubborn.

[Wakey-Dan]

Once its out of the car, use a compression tool to separate the cone from the trumpet. Screw it into the cone and use it like a punch hammer. works a treat.

Instead of new ones, there is a guy selling 2 second hand ones for £20 in the classifieds.

However, Its unusual for the back ones to wear out so much that it scrapes. As alex b says, it might be worth adjusting your hilos.

[Bungle]

has someone just wound the hilo's right down ?

if you are replacing the suspension cones then the front most likely needs doing as well, with the engine on the front these where first

also think about replacing the knuckles and cups fixed to the bottom of the hilo

[minispaniard]

there's a fantastic guide in the 'frequently asked questions' of the forum...

[A362 TTU]

The hi-lo's are adjusted pretty much at the top of their range for max height and adjustable dampers are set hard - still scrapes!

I have no issues with the front height though so i presume i could leave that untouched? its actually higher at the front than the rear.

[Cooperman]

To avoid having to take the fuel tank out to gain access to the LH damper top nut, you can cut a rectangular hole in the seat back panel. This hole should be about 5" x 3.5".
Make up an aluminium alloy sheet closing plate about 1" bigger all round and re-fit with self-tapping screws and a sealing compound like bath sealer.
With that done you can always take ther rear suspension/dampers off very easily.

[Bungle]

i wonder if it's fitted with short shocks and it's the shocks stopping the hilo's lifting the car

[A362 TTU]

Thanks everyone

i wonder if it's fitted with short shocks and it's the shocks stopping the hilo's lifting the car

Could be something there... They were fitted by a previous owner so absolute possibility.

They are spax but cant see any other labelling on them.

If i took a photo of one of the rear sides with the wheel off would that be a help to identify my problem

[Bungle]

just remove them and see if that helps

(just as a temporary measure)

[A362 TTU]

just remove them and see if that helps

(just as a temporary measure)

Do you mean the dampers?

So you think I should try and jack the car up then remove them and set the car back down to see if it is any higher?

I presume it won't be ok for driving

[Bungle]

yes to see if it's lack of travel in the suspension stopping the rear end being raised up

and yes you shouldn't drive it with no shocks

just do the drives side to see if it helps (saves removing the fuel tank)

[A362 TTU]

Further findings and some pictures to try and help anyone help me.

[A362 TTU]

Interestingly the dampers were set about 10 from the weakest (on approx 30 click scale) so I have changed them to 10 from the hardest