Hi All,
I'm facing that annual period of misery that accompanies an MOT.
My main issue is around a group of faults with bushes on the front suspension. I came to the conclusion that the simplest fix would be to replace the suspension arms and ARB struts as a job lot (got the lot for £80). Made a start on the nearside.
This was a nice idea until the suspension arm retaining bolts at the rear (the ones that go into what looks like an aluminium casting) decided to weld themselves into their threads with corrosion. The shorter, outer bolt came out with lots of penetrating oil and judicious use of an impact wrench. But the longer inner bolt sheared in the casting. Not a problem I thought, I'll just order a set of replacement bolts.
Hmmmm!!
Despite searching I have been unable to find them, anywhere.
I have discovered that the bolts appear to be ;
High tensile steel (strength 10.9 or above)
M10 x 1.25
Between 80mm and 90mm long (can't be exact here because I am unable to retrieve the bit that's corroded into the arm)
I have ended up ordering a set that match this specification from an engineering supplies company.
I would appreciate any help on specification/supply of these bolts.
I realise that being the owner of one of only 33 road legal Mk 1 Multipla JTD 115's (according to VOSA), I am unlikely to get much support from Fiat or the main parts suppliers.
Knowing how the automotive manufacturing industry works, I just wondered how many of the parts on this vehicle are common to other fiat (or other manufacturers) vehicles.
Years ago, Practical Classics did a Parts Interchangeability Guide that listed parts by vehicle. The principle being that, for example, your alternator might be used in another 10 vehicle models across 4 different manufacturers.
Car makers are very good at being lazy, once they find a bolt size or part specification they tend ti reuse it.
As a community do we have such a guide ? Given the declining numbers of our favourite Italian beasties should we create one ?
Thoughts ?
I'm facing that annual period of misery that accompanies an MOT.
My main issue is around a group of faults with bushes on the front suspension. I came to the conclusion that the simplest fix would be to replace the suspension arms and ARB struts as a job lot (got the lot for £80). Made a start on the nearside.
This was a nice idea until the suspension arm retaining bolts at the rear (the ones that go into what looks like an aluminium casting) decided to weld themselves into their threads with corrosion. The shorter, outer bolt came out with lots of penetrating oil and judicious use of an impact wrench. But the longer inner bolt sheared in the casting. Not a problem I thought, I'll just order a set of replacement bolts.
Hmmmm!!
Despite searching I have been unable to find them, anywhere.
I have discovered that the bolts appear to be ;
High tensile steel (strength 10.9 or above)
M10 x 1.25
Between 80mm and 90mm long (can't be exact here because I am unable to retrieve the bit that's corroded into the arm)
I have ended up ordering a set that match this specification from an engineering supplies company.
I would appreciate any help on specification/supply of these bolts.
I realise that being the owner of one of only 33 road legal Mk 1 Multipla JTD 115's (according to VOSA), I am unlikely to get much support from Fiat or the main parts suppliers.
Knowing how the automotive manufacturing industry works, I just wondered how many of the parts on this vehicle are common to other fiat (or other manufacturers) vehicles.
Years ago, Practical Classics did a Parts Interchangeability Guide that listed parts by vehicle. The principle being that, for example, your alternator might be used in another 10 vehicle models across 4 different manufacturers.
Car makers are very good at being lazy, once they find a bolt size or part specification they tend ti reuse it.
As a community do we have such a guide ? Given the declining numbers of our favourite Italian beasties should we create one ?
Thoughts ?
