General Finally the rear suspension refresh is complete

[Uncle Beee]

Finally got the new rear springs and bump stops in! I’ve had 3 attempts to do this and just couldn’t get enough movement on the lower mounts to get them out with my stands and jack combination. Even with spring compressors it was not happening So decided to let my mechanic do it on his lift at the same time as the MOT. Ninky passed but I now have an advisory to sort out the fronts
Now with correct bump stops in place you can see how easy it could be to bottom out! I’ll clean up the bottom mounts at the weekend

Next job, coolant flush… now how do you get that bottom hose off???

 

[rmjbn1]

Looking good! Gosh, though, those bump stops are long compared to the standard FWD cars.

Next job, coolant flush… now how do you get that bottom hose off???

I'd advise prising apart the hose clamp if it hasn't already been removed and replace with a jubilee clip.
I don't think I would bother with the quick release connector again after I struggled to get mine fully seated and lost a load of coolant...

common problem with thermostate | FIAT Panda (Mk3)

when the weather get cold we get loads of cooling issues heaters only blowing warm P0115 error radiator fans coming on fast. gauge dropping down occationly. gauge only going up 1/4 way 90% are down to a missing rubber gasket inside the thermostat. Because the thermostat is opening and...

www.fiatforum.com

 

[Uncle Beee]

Looking good! Gosh, though, those bump stops are long compared to the standard FWD cars.

I'd advise prising apart the hose clamp if it hasn't already been removed and replace with a jubilee clip.
I don't think I would bother with the quick release connector again after I struggled to get mine fully seated and lost a load of coolant...

common problem with thermostate | FIAT Panda (Mk3)

when the weather get cold we get loads of cooling issues heaters only blowing warm P0115 error radiator fans coming on fast. gauge dropping down occationly. gauge only going up 1/4 way 90% are down to a missing rubber gasket inside the thermostat. Because the thermostat is opening and...

www.fiatforum.com

Yes I’d read your thread. You certainly aren’t alone in having had trouble with the quick release. I‘m also expecting the sump guard to put up a fight as I don’t think it’s been removed before

 

[DaveMcT]

I suspect the QD clip is there for manufacturing efficiency. I tried to shift mine and could not see how its was supposed to release. Removing the clip and replacing with worm drive took a fraction of the time and it doesn't leak.

 

[The Panda Nut]

I did release the QR fitting on one of ours, and it then leaked when reassembled. I tried twice to refit with new O rings and then bought a new hose with a new QR fitting. Not too expensive from eBay, but £112 from Fiat! I would not touch this joint. I agree totally with the - remove the hose and fit a new jubilee - clip school of thought.