Technical Panda 4x4 viscous coupling

[NigelO]

I suspect I know the answer to this…..

my viscous coupling has seized solid on my newly-acquired 2007 4x4. Apparently, I have three options:

1. Pay Fiat about 90% of what I paid for the car for a new one
2. Find a decent secondhand unit
3. Find somewhere that repairs them

I think #2 is probably my best bet - anyone know where I might find one?

if not, #3 is an option. I found a thread on this forum suggesting that NCA motors could help, but they don’t do it now.

thanks in anticipation

 

[DaveMcT]

It's a long shot but is this any help?

Set Coupling Shaft Transmission Fiat Panda 169 4x4 From 2003 For 55222107 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Set Coupling Shaft Transmission Fiat Panda 169 4x4 From 2003 For 55222107 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[NigelO]

Thanks, but that’s just the universal joint - I need the viscous coupling - a much larger unit that looks something like this:

 

[jrkitching]

There is also option 4: remove the propshaft and use it as a 2WD car. This has the advantage of being a low cost solution.

Before committing significant money to any repair, check carefully the condition of the rear subframe. Serious corrosion there will be an MOT failure, and there are no cheap (or even reasonably priced) repair options; used 4x4 rear frames of that era are as rare as hen's teeth if in even slightly useable condition. The only realistic option if it fails is to use an aftermarket standard Panda twist beam and convert to 2WD.

 

[NigelO]

I’m having the prop shaft removed for now, so I can continue to drive it. The car is at Motormech in Birmingham, and they are struggling for room, so I can’t really leave it there until I find a viscous coupling.

the whole idea of the car was to have something I can use in winter - I do a bit of photography and a RWD car on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a bit rubbish in North Wales in the snow….

Motormech has said the underside of the car, including the rear subframe is in decent condition, which I’m quite please with, as it has done 117k miles. It’s not exactly shiny black paint, but it appears to be solid.

 

[jrkitching]

the whole idea of the car was to have something I can use in winter - I do a bit of photography and a RWD car on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is a bit rubbish in North Wales in the snow….

All is not lost. Even in 2WD form, the 169 Panda on 155/80x13 tyres can turn in a decent performance in the snow, particularly on winter rubber, and will outperform most RWD cars.

 

[NigelO]

I agree - my last daily-driver shed was a mega-mile Alfa GT diesel that I ran on winter tyres for four or five months each year. It went places that it really shouldn’t have been able and even out-dragged a Mitsubishi LT200 in deep snow in south wales.

any excuse for a photo…

however, the whole idea of the Panda was to get even further off the beaten-track, so I’ll either get it back to 4WD, or I’ll sell it and get one that works properly…

 

[portland_bill]

I suspect I know the answer to this…..

my viscous coupling has seized solid on my newly-acquired 2007 4x4. Apparently, I have three options:

1. Pay Fiat about 90% of what I paid for the car for a new one
2. Find a decent secondhand unit
3. Find somewhere that repairs them

I think #2 is probably my best bet - anyone know where I might find one?

if not, #3 is an option. I found a thread on this forum suggesting that NCA motors could help, but they don’t do it now.

thanks in anticipation

There was a thread, some time ago, where the owner sent the unit to a company who normally specialised in Land Rover props, I think. Is that the thread you found? Shame if they will no longer repair them.
There's probably someone somewhere who can/will repair it, just might take some time searching. Good luck. If (when) successful, please post on here for others.

 

[NigelO]

There was a thread, some time ago, where the owner sent the unit to a company who normally specialised in Land Rover props, I think. Is that the thread you found? Shame if they will no longer repair them.
There's probably someone somewhere who can/will repair it, just might take some time searching. Good luck. If (when) successful, please post on here for others.

Yes - that was NCA motors - no longer touching Panda stuff, just Freelander.

 

[porta]

Try GGB, if only for advice or to see if they can order one, try eBay or a site like

Subito.it

Vendi e compra nuovo e usato online in modo semplice, rapido e sicuro. Oltre 6 milioni di annunci di auto, case, lavoro, elettronica, arredamento, animali e tanto altro

www.subito.it

They often have new and used bits and many are happy to send bits over

 

[porta]

Just a thought, this system is the GKN one
does anyone know if they still support or have passed manufacturing onto, there’s a lot of Polish and Lithuanian 169 panda ‘remanufactured’ stuff out there

 

[NigelO]

Just a thought, this system is the GKN one
does anyone know if they still support or have passed manufacturing onto, there’s a lot of Polish and Lithuanian 169 panda ‘remanufactured’ stuff out there

I tried to get through to GKN Automotive this morning, but couldn’t get past their automated system

 

[portland_bill]

@varesecrazy Any contacts within GKN?

 

[varesecrazy]

@varesecrazy Any contacts within GKN?

Nothing from me Im afraid

UK side is very limited nowadays

Is this the 'smart' electrically switchable one.. or a previous variant ?,

Refurb facility for shafts is in Europe..

But I have no contact info

 

[varesecrazy]

Yes - that was NCA motors - no longer touching Panda stuff, just Freelander.

There are some very big LR specialist companies around.. warehouses full of parts..

is it a bolt on part... or did yours get reworked?

 

[koalar]

Italy or Poland would be the easiest

Unfortunately postage might be a killer

Pardon our interruption...

Probably a bit dear

 

[jrkitching]

Probably a bit dear

I'd agree - that's a lot of money for a used part which might be little better than the one the OP is replacing.

I'd have to question the economics of keeping a 15yr old 4WD Panda on the road. At that age, particularly given the current parts supply chain issues, it helps to have as simple a car as possible.

 

[koalar]

There are kits that elimiate the viscous coupling here's one

Giunto Panda Viscoso Usato | Prometeo

www.prometeomeccanica.it

No idea how much this costs

EV-tech 01279 898440 again no idea how much

advert says

If you are seeking to repair Viscous Coupling Repair for your Fiat in Harlow, EV-Tech & MOT LTD is the best destination to do exactly that. We have a lot of experience in Viscous Coupling Repair. All you need to do is enter your Fiat registration number and choose Viscous Coupling Repair, as this is the area of your Fiat which you want to be fixed.

UK is going to be very limited. The 169 AWD wasn't that popular especially early on and was redesigned in 2008. So second hand has to be over 15 years old

 

[DaveMcT]

The rear subframe is made from tubular steel which rots from the inside. You need to get the insides treated with moisture displacing wax at the very least. You can get swing arms on eBay for not silly money but the centre section is no longer made and more prone to rot.

Poland and Lithuania are the best places for Panda parts and in my experience they have been helpful. Contact a supplier advertising on eBay with good feedback and ask them for help.

 

[SPORTPACK50]

It might be worth giving these guys a call...they specialise in Italian cars and did a brilliant job with my Panda 100hp.

italicar

Fiat, Alfa Romeo & Lancia Specialists In Norwich. Servicing, Sales, Restoration & Parts.

www.italicar.co.uk