Technical HP questions - wear and tear , Suspension , etc

[varesecrazy]

In the interests of balance
I'm posting a non 1.1/ 1.2 Question

OK - 100 HP's at higher mileage / and age;

how much suspension wear is "normal" do polybush kits do the job better for sensible money..,
I'm suspecting rubbers collapse with age , as in the FIRE models.

more general question - the Climate / Aircon system..

see various reports of issue / failures,
I believe Most Easterly Pandas and others have delved into repairs..
both mechanical parts, and the actuators / and calibration of the system,

any pointers as to costs of the "common" failures,
diverter flaps,
control electrics..,

any info will be received with thanks, cheers.

 

[Goudrons]

I've polybushed a few cars, though not any Pandas yet.
Done a couple of different Land Rovers, a Jag X Type and my Alfa Spider.
They really do what everyone says they do.

Fitted properly, they'll last a lot longer than standard metalastic bushes.

They'll return to their original shape quicker and more often and don't tend to suffer from deformation.

You can usually get them in different densities, but even the softest will sharpen the handling and banishes most suspension clonks and knocks, going from worn bushes to polybushes really does transform the car.

Drawbacks?
Though bush kits aren't too expansive and the Panda has a lot less bushes than some cars, it can work out an expensive (see below about old parts) and time consuming job, so only worth considering if you plan on keeping the car for a good while.

It can be a pain removing the standard bushes and it's probably not worth fitting them to old rusty axles and wishbones with worn ball joints, so factor in costs of fitting them to new or overalled parts to get the mileage out of them.

Depending on bush density, they can transmit a little or quite a bit more harshness and vibration through the suspension.
I would personally steer clear of the hard or race types (one company lists them as "Black") if you want to keep your teeth.

The one area all Pandas would benefit from is the top and bottom shock eyes of the rear shocks, you'll need to carefully measure the voids up and source them by size, I've never seen them listed by car anywhere.

Also, while you're under there, it's worth dropping the rear axle and if it's not too rotten, shotblast it and repaint it, they do suffer around the lower spring seats.

 

[Asa James]

I've just replaced the front arm rear bushes on mine with poly bushes, 93,009 miles and one of the arms was original. The bush kit cost £58, about the same as one semi decent quality arm. The advantage I had was fitting myself, doable with mechanical knowledge but I wouldn't advise for a basic tinkerer. It's improved the ride loads, smoother on the road and it's stopped pulling when hitting bumps and deviations. I inspected the front bush, with them being solid bushes (the rear arm ones are void bushes) they won't wear as quick, unless the car has been abused.

Other than that, I've not seen any other common fault, but I'll look forward to tackling them when they appear

 

[varesecrazy]

I've just replaced the front arm rear bushes on mine with poly bushes, 93,009 miles and one of the arms was original. The bush kit cost £58, about the same as one semi decent quality arm. The advantage I had was fitting myself, doable with mechanical knowledge but I wouldn't advise for a basic tinkerer. It's improved the ride loads, smoother on the road and it's stopped pulling when hitting bumps and deviations. I inspected the front bush, with them being solid bushes (the rear arm ones are void bushes) they won't wear as quick, unless the car has been abused.

Other than that, I've not seen any other common fault, but I'll look forward to tackling them when they appear

Thanks..HP or standard panda..?

 

[Asa James]

Hp, but will be the same job on a standard