Posted By: french_coupe
Project front end mechanical - 28/10/2022 15:59
I did post the below in a thread on the General Chat page, but decided to start a project thread as it will take some time as I have other things going so cannot spend too much time just on the coupe. Hopefully I will be done January sometime, but I will see.
Original post:
The wife's coupe was due a cambelt change. It was overdue and I hadn't kept up with regular maintenance due to a house move and not having a garage. The house still needs a load of work but the garage was finished a couple of months ago.
I am in no rush to get the coupe back on the road so its getting worked on whenever I get chance and have the energy!!!
I started with knowing the cambelt needed doing so decided that everything associated with it would get done too. I ordered all of the pulleys, belts, water pump etc as well as cam phase sensor. I also have a cambelt guard from Joe that I ordered ages ago, so that will go on. Also replacing the cam cover gasket and the 5 plugs.
Whilst looking around the car I see the water hoses could do with replacing so they are on order. Going with Viper. A new thermostat going in too as its pretty old now.
There were oil leaks all over the place so that meant oil filter back plate seal as well as oil cooler pipe seals. Dip stick tube needs a new seal too. The gearbox is not leaking too much but I decided to do the output shaft seals as well.
I noticed that there was oil from the bell housing so the gearbox has come off for a crankshaft seal. Might as well do both ends seeing as the cambelt is getting done anyway.
As the gearbox is off then the clutch may as well be replaced. The old Valeo is in good order, but with 315bhp I have gone for an uprated CG clutch.
With all the bits coming off I saw that one of the wishbone ball joints was loose so I am replacing both wishbones. There has been a whining noise from the front right side for a while so both front wheel bearings are getting changed as well as the steering pump bearing.
At the same time I am making a 5 ton hydraulic press. It will pay for itself with just this work. I had quite a bit of the steel anyway so its mainly just time.
One of the CV joints is not great so replacing both sides.
The steering rack gaiters are split so changing these and both track rod ends at the same time.
The callipers came off and the bottom thread stripped on both so I have a Helicoil kit to repair these.
The aircon needs the compressor overhauling. I already have the seal and gasket set so good to go here. The condenser had seen better days so I have ordered a new one (Not easy to find now. I got this one from Italy). A new dryer as a matter of course too.
I am replacing the starter as its a real pain to get to and it has occasionally been temperamental.
Once its all cleaned up and back together the car will get all new fluids and filters too.
Hopefully the car will be back on the road sometime around Xmas / New Year.
I knew that the car needed some TLC and she is 25 years old now (The wife bought the car new back in 1997). I know that the investment will be worth it as the life of the car will be greatly extended.
Next year hopefully, we will get her resprayed.
After all the work we will be ready for Turin 2024.
A couple of pics of the car looking a bit sorry for itself partially stripped and car parts all over the garage.
I hope that this inspires people for winter repairs, maintenance or upgrades.
Original post:
The wife's coupe was due a cambelt change. It was overdue and I hadn't kept up with regular maintenance due to a house move and not having a garage. The house still needs a load of work but the garage was finished a couple of months ago.
I am in no rush to get the coupe back on the road so its getting worked on whenever I get chance and have the energy!!!
I started with knowing the cambelt needed doing so decided that everything associated with it would get done too. I ordered all of the pulleys, belts, water pump etc as well as cam phase sensor. I also have a cambelt guard from Joe that I ordered ages ago, so that will go on. Also replacing the cam cover gasket and the 5 plugs.
Whilst looking around the car I see the water hoses could do with replacing so they are on order. Going with Viper. A new thermostat going in too as its pretty old now.
There were oil leaks all over the place so that meant oil filter back plate seal as well as oil cooler pipe seals. Dip stick tube needs a new seal too. The gearbox is not leaking too much but I decided to do the output shaft seals as well.
I noticed that there was oil from the bell housing so the gearbox has come off for a crankshaft seal. Might as well do both ends seeing as the cambelt is getting done anyway.
As the gearbox is off then the clutch may as well be replaced. The old Valeo is in good order, but with 315bhp I have gone for an uprated CG clutch.
With all the bits coming off I saw that one of the wishbone ball joints was loose so I am replacing both wishbones. There has been a whining noise from the front right side for a while so both front wheel bearings are getting changed as well as the steering pump bearing.
At the same time I am making a 5 ton hydraulic press. It will pay for itself with just this work. I had quite a bit of the steel anyway so its mainly just time.
One of the CV joints is not great so replacing both sides.
The steering rack gaiters are split so changing these and both track rod ends at the same time.
The callipers came off and the bottom thread stripped on both so I have a Helicoil kit to repair these.
The aircon needs the compressor overhauling. I already have the seal and gasket set so good to go here. The condenser had seen better days so I have ordered a new one (Not easy to find now. I got this one from Italy). A new dryer as a matter of course too.
I am replacing the starter as its a real pain to get to and it has occasionally been temperamental.
Once its all cleaned up and back together the car will get all new fluids and filters too.
Hopefully the car will be back on the road sometime around Xmas / New Year.
I knew that the car needed some TLC and she is 25 years old now (The wife bought the car new back in 1997). I know that the investment will be worth it as the life of the car will be greatly extended.
Next year hopefully, we will get her resprayed.
After all the work we will be ready for Turin 2024.
A couple of pics of the car looking a bit sorry for itself partially stripped and car parts all over the garage.
I hope that this inspires people for winter repairs, maintenance or upgrades.