18 replies to this topic

[Eyeful]

I've a 1976 Leyland Mini running rubber suspension cones. The front driver side trumpet has collapsed and I've removed it and now am looking at how to get the rubber cone out. From what I've read, the compression tool is used to compress the rubber cone to enable the trumpet to be removed; then the cone compressor is removed and the rubber cone removed. Does this mean, that as the trumpet has already been removed, I don't need the compressor tool to remove the rubber cone?

 

I've tried a bit of brute force on the rubber cone but it seems to be solidly, well fixed. I'm seeking suggestions of what I need to do to get this damn thing out? I've attached a photo of what I'm seeing in the wheel arch. If further photos will help let me know & I'll send them.

 

Any advice or pictures would be appreciated as both the consumer and workshop manuals don't provide any specific information about how to get the rubber cone out. Peter

Attached Files

•  DSC01499.JPG   29.7K   11 downloads

[Carlos W]

I can't see the cone in that picture, only the knuckle joint

 

The cone will be much larger and on the other end of the trumpet.

 

Put up a picture of what you've removed 

[Spider]

Take the top arm out to get the cone out and a new one back in.

 

Sometimes they do get stuck, but you can dislodge them by using a long bar in through the front window in the subframe tower, and a few belts with a hammer.

[nicklouse]

Yes it could be well seated in the subframe (rusted) remove subframe bolt and using a suitable item knock it free.

 

see the X head machine screw under the top arm  that and the rebound rubber it holds in place need removing. you will need the compression too when re fitting.

[MIGLIACARS]

Take the top arm out to get the cone out and a new one back in.

 

Sometimes they do get stuck, but you can dislodge them by using a long bar in through the front window in the subframe tower, and a few belts with a hammer.

Yeah hammer nice!!!  use a big one.

[Abbot]

Hmmm I am just an observer here not an expert.  When you say "now am looking at how to get the rubber cone out" do you mean the large rubber cone that is effectively the spring for the suspension or are you trying to remove the bottom bit of the trumpet assembly that is sitting in the cup on the top of the swinging arm? 

[Spider]

Hmmm I am just an observer here not an expert.  When you say "now am looking at how to get the rubber cone out" do you mean the large rubber cone that is effectively the spring for the suspension or are you trying to remove the bottom bit of the trumpet assembly that is sitting in the cup on the top of the swinging arm? 

 

Yes, not really 'cone' shaped but that's what they are known as.

 

In some circles, they are referred to as donuts.

[MIGLIACARS]

Take the top arm out to get the cone out and a new one back in.

 

Sometimes they do get stuck, but you can dislodge them by using a long bar in through the front window in the subframe tower, and a few belts with a hammer.

Ive a selection of hammers in my tool set from a toffee hammer bought for 10p at a car boot sale to a sledge hammer which I put a new head on the other day, mainly used for testing the strength of items such as standard drop gears boy there tough things!

[Eyeful]

I can't see the cone in that picture, only the knuckle joint

 

The cone will be much larger and on the other end of the trumpet.

 

Put up a picture of what you've removed 

I've removed the trumpet (strut) already as it was fractured into two pieces so it virtually fell out. Because of the poor condition of the trumpet I've already thrown it out. The cone (donut) is hidden within the tower and is really well fixed.

[Eyeful]

Hmmm I am just an observer here not an expert.  When you say "now am looking at how to get the rubber cone out" do you mean the large rubber cone that is effectively the spring for the suspension or are you trying to remove the bottom bit of the trumpet assembly that is sitting in the cup on the top of the swinging arm? 

The rubber cone I'm referring to is the rubber suspension cone (or donut as some are referring to it as) that is the suspension spring. The bottom bit (trumpet) has already been removed.

[Eyeful]

Yes it could be well seated in the subframe (rusted) remove subframe bolt and using a suitable item knock it free.

 

see the X head machine screw under the top arm  that and the rebound rubber it holds in place need removing. you will need the compression too when re fitting.

How would you suggest knocking it free? From above using about a 1/2 bar or from below using a pinch bar .... or both?

[Eyeful]

I can't see the cone in that picture, only the knuckle joint

 

The cone will be much larger and on the other end of the trumpet.

 

Put up a picture of what you've removed 

Sorry can't do that as I've thrown it out. The removed part is the alloy trumpet or strut.

[Eyeful]

Yes it could be well seated in the subframe (rusted) remove subframe bolt and using a suitable item knock it free.

 

see the X head machine screw under the top arm  that and the rebound rubber it holds in place need removing. you will need the compression too when re fitting.

I've already ordered another bump stop to replace this one so plan to remove the rebound rubber. I'm replacing the rubber cones with springs which have come with their own compression tool.

[nicklouse]

coils. totally the wrong material for the mini suspension design. you will have a harsh ride that has now suspension moment and coil binds at the first chance. and if you are lucky they will not break.

 

if you insist on fitting springs raise the ride height about 1" above standard but do not expect a better ride. it will be harsher and will wallow in corners.

[Retroman]

 

Take the top arm out to get the cone out and a new one back in.

 

Sometimes they do get stuck, but you can dislodge them by using a long bar in through the front window in the subframe tower, and a few belts with a hammer.

Ive a selection of hammers in my tool set from a toffee hammer bought for 10p at a car boot sale to a sledge hammer which I put a new head on the other day, mainly used for testing the strength of items such as standard drop gears boy there tough things!

 

     Please don't take this the wrong way.....I too have a selection of hammers, hide faced, rubber (small and big), nail / claw, (standard and small), ball, pane, panel beating, shrinking, lump, standard and heavy walling, 7lb, 14lb with pipe handle, and a toffee hammer ( in the biscuit drawer). I used to have a 28lb quarry hammer, and wish I still had (long story).   

   But I have never understood or had any such thing as a sledge hammer, or a sledge that needed hammering, or am I missing something and it has runners underneath....are they like my copper faced hammer, nothing to do with the police...? or like my slide hammer, never seen a slide...?

  When I hammer a sledge it involves steep hills and snow, sunny Sabden is half way up a mountain, and I still use my steerable sledge, now 45 years old (7 less than me).

 

Maybe this is not the right forum but does anyone know what a sledge hammer is ?, because I'm buggered if I do.