Technical Suspect Cinq Strut Top Mount

[Cinqster355]

Re: Knackered N/S Engine mount

Guys

Help please! Fiat call me today to say the new near side mount I ordered is not in stock in the UK at all. They have none back in Italy either and lead time is basically unknown.

They advised I call third parties to buy one as they basically cant supply!

Can anyone help point me in the right direction to a supplier. I have called several motor factors who cannot supply.

Help! - I dont want to buy a scrap yard item...

 

[rallycinq]

I've just re read the whole thread and might have a lead for you. Check that the anti roll bar is mounted centrally and that the wishbones are fitted properly. The suspension can foul on the lower inner wing under acceleration.

Cheers

D

 

[fingers99]

You could try PMing Fluffy the Impaler on the CC forum, but the last time I looked he wasn't listing them.

 

[Cinqster355]

I've just re read the whole thread and might have a lead for you. Check that the anti roll bar is mounted centrally and that the wishbones are fitted properly. The suspension can foul on the lower inner wing under acceleration.

Cheers

D

Ok I checked the ARB was central and also checked the ARB bushes. All seems ok. I had a look over and noticed the shock absorber on the N/S was weaping. I swear that was not like that last time I checked. I have checked over the strut top mounts and they seem fine also.

I am going to replace the front struts with new items and see how this goes. I have had no luck sourcing the engine mount. I really need to see a Sporting N/S engine mount to see what a good one looks like...

Had a look in a scrappy today and if that was anything to go by mine is ok.

Will update once fitted the shocks.

 

[Cinqster355]

Was the tracking done properly, or is the akerman angle out?

Cheers

D

What is the akerman angle?

 

[fingers99]

What is the Ackerman angle

See here for example.

Now, the only vehicle I've ever had trouble with the Ackerman angle with has been a supermarket trolley. This might account for the vagueness/wandering, but it sure as hell won't account for the knocking. You're going to have to replace the struts anyway, so do that (guide here someplace -- use it, it's better and quicker than the method described in the manuals) and then get the tracking done somewhere else.

Monroe gas shocks are nice and not very expensive. While the shock is out you can take a good hard look at the top mounts.

 

[rallycinq]

What is the akerman angle?

The different angle between the inner and outer wheels when prescribing a corner.

If the tracking has been set without centreing the rack, then the angles will be incorrect, which will lead to the vagueness you described in your earler post.

Check the rack is centred.

As fingers came up with, if your changing your struts the tracking will need done anyway.

Cheers

D

 

[Cinqster355]

The different angle between the inner and outer wheels when prescribing a corner.

If the tracking has been set without centreing the rack, then the angles will be incorrect, which will lead to the vagueness you described in your earler post.

Check the rack is centred.

As fingers came up with, if your changing your struts the tracking will need done anyway.

Cheers

D

The rack was centred the first time I got it tracked. I got the new struts today so will put them on later in the week. The struts will make a difference with handling thats for sure but not sure if it will cure the grinding type noise under hard acceleration. Hope so.

Will update later.

 

[Cinqster355]

Re: Snapped suspension bolts

Hi just fitted both the new front struts. I cant finish the job yet as whilst taking apart even after heavy wire brushing and penetrating fluid 2 of the 4 nuts/bolts are totally unservicable. Im gonna have to get a new set of 4 from Fiat tomorrow before I can complete the job and give it a run out.

At least they look loads better and cleaner than the units I took off. I also got to check both the upper strut rubber mounts and bearings. Both were spot on with no problems. At least this removes this elininates these as problems.

Hopefully Fiat will have the bolts/nuts in stock. :bang:

 

[fingers99]

If not, there's a fair chance an Alfa dealer or a fastener factor will have something which will do the job.

 

[woj]

Nuts should not be a problem at Fiat, bolts I am not so sure. In either case they are pricey - the nuts are approx 3 Euros per piece in Holland, I can imagine bolts are even more expensive.

Are you sure they are not servicable - you have undone them cleanly, haven't you? If so, them a night long bath in a fluid (wd40, penetrating oil) should do the trick. A wire brush mounted on an electric drill can do wonders, not sure it's good to use it on threads though.

Cheers,

Woj

 

[Cinqster355]

2 of the nuts have lost their thread, 2 bolts look well dodgy on the thread due to corrosion and a third bolt the 18mm head is FUBAR.

All this damage occured during dismantling only.

I have sourced 4 new bolts, nuts and washers from work. They are exactly the same diameter on the non threaded part. The matching nuts are also nyloc'd as the originals so I will be abler to reassemble the last bits tonight after work.

Result and FOC...

 

[Cinqster355]

Re: Report

Ok, I have fitted the struts back on and took it for a test drive. The struts have made a nice difference to the ride quality but the grinding noise is still there under hard acceleration.

I do think the tracking is now out which will get sorted out on Monday.

I'm thinking something in the gearbox is borderline. I have a spare box which I can fit but that will have to wait till the weather gets better.

Any ideas now?