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How Do You Know If The Rubber Cones/doughnuts Are Serviceable

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#1 StuM

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Posted 12 May 2016 - 01:28 PM

Hi All,

 

First job on my Clubby rebuild is the rear subframe build-up.  The rubber cones that came off the car look 'OK' to my (very) untrained eye.  How do you know when they are no longer serviceable items?

 

Here's one of mine..

 

26364158044_8ab3323460_z.jpg

 

26901138631_b284be86a0_z.jpg

 

26365499883_365a38fd6e_z.jpg

 

26875411432_4fa9454cc3_z.jpg

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Stu

 



#2 Ethel

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Posted 12 May 2016 - 03:09 PM

I'd agree they don't look bad. Corrosion to the metal and failed bonding of it to the rubber are about the only visual signs. The rubber will progressively age and go hard, which might show as permanent deformation, it's just a matter calling when a change is warranted. You'll almost certainly get a better ride and handling from fitting new, quality, cones



#3 Mini 360

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Posted 12 May 2016 - 03:11 PM

Typically, rubber degrades in them at 5-6yrs old and they will only get worse.  I like to do mine every 4 if possible.



#4 carbon

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Posted 12 May 2016 - 04:51 PM

Stu,

 

Your rubber cone in the picture looks in good shape good to me, I would reuse.



#5 StuM

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Posted 12 May 2016 - 05:47 PM

Thanks for the inputs all, much appreciated. The other one is stuck fast on the trumpet which might mean corrosion issues once I lever it off (I'm fitting Hi-Los) I guess.

If I did change I presume they should be done in pairs?

Cheers,
Stu

#6 THE ANORAK

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Posted 12 May 2016 - 06:27 PM

yes change in pairs. all four is better but if not pairs at the very least



#7 carbon

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Posted 13 May 2016 - 04:30 PM

Stu,

 

Did you manage to get second cone and trumpet separated?

 

if you have a long steel bar just under 1/2 inch diameter you could remove knuckle from trumpet, then put bar through the trumpet and using hammer may be able to shock the cone off the trumpet.



#8 StuM

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Posted 13 May 2016 - 06:31 PM

Hi - good shout, I'll give that a bash tomorrow and let you know how it goes. Thanks

#9 StuM

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Posted 17 May 2016 - 01:24 PM

The knuckle joint is stuck fast, so I've soaked in penetrating oil and will try and get some heat into it later on.  Can't get the cone to shift.  

 

I'm not sure of the age of the cones - the car was in bits when I bought it and some stuff has been renewed - but not these, so it might be best (given that the rest of the suspension is new) to bite the bullet and put new cones in while I'm at it..

 

Cheers,

Stu 



#10 StuM

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Posted 17 May 2016 - 02:28 PM

UPDATE:  CONE OFF!

 

Like this:

 

27039458276_a271334009_c.jpg

 

27072563205_6f54e1cfe4_c.jpg

 

I.e. Heat and persuasion!



#11 carbon

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Posted 17 May 2016 - 04:43 PM

Good result.



#12 StuM

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Posted 17 May 2016 - 09:40 PM

Thanks for the tip on the steel bar, worked a treat.





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