Does this rear trailing armlook OK? Removal started

[Jonnyb416]

Well I've had a good read of the Haynes and the Bently and I reckon there's no time like the present to tackle this job properly, once and for all

I figured I could use my minimal mechanical knowledge and a bit of help from like minded friends and one who's half a mechanic, to remove the arm, suspension, drive shaft etc and replace/fix as necessary.

If this van is going to last me 10 years or gain a decent re-sale value I might as well do this job whilst it's off the road and without an engine.

I may decide to post up a few piccies as I do it, unless that is, everything becomes too much

Jon.

[Jonnyb416]

Attempted to remove the rear trailing arm today. The first bit was a doddle; suspension and coil spring came away easy enough. The spring base is totally shot so may need a new one from Brickwerks.
Jon.

[Jonnyb416]

Now it was this bolt that caused a few problems. Managed to get the nut off the other side but the bolt was stuck fast, so decided to grind the head off.

What's the best way to get the remaining bolt out of here?
The other side (inner) is also stuck good and proper, any ideas to get to get this out?

Seems a shame to cut into the bracket these nuts go through as they appear very strong with just surface rust.
Jon.

[jes*b]

I found a reciprocating saw with fresh metal cutting blade slid down the side of the brackets real nice, no damage to vehicle or arm . The bolt will be seized solid so whatever you do you will need to cut inside of the bracket to free the arm. The inside ones can sometimes not be as bad as they don't pick up the same amount of crap off the wheel.

[Jonnyb416]

Cheers, think I will try that method but use a thin cutting disc. I hoped the inner wouldn't be as bad but it's solid too and harder to access. Jon.

[Jonnyb416]

Well it appears this cutting of bolts may be beyond my skill level so I am going to seek help. The 4.5 inch grinder wouldn't reach all the way through the bolts and I risk cutting something else if I continue. It's coming off still, eventually!! Jon.

[Jonnyb416]

Managed to cut the bolts today using a reciprocating saw. Just need to release the hand brake cable and foot brake cable; studied the wiki and Haynes for this, just need more time to practise what I have learnt. Then it's the mammoth task of trailing arm and braking system overhaul/replacement. And when all this is done.... I will move onto the nearside.

Any tips on where to clamp the brake hose would be welcomed. I have a hose clamp.

Jon.

[DavidPallister]

Whilst you're going this far, you may as well replace all of the brake pipes, they are probably still the originals, and refill the system with fresh fluid.

Replaced both my TA's a few years ago, had to cut through the bushes just like you, and very few of my brake pipes came apart cleanly, so decided to bite the bullet and replace everything. Replaced flexi's with braided stainless hoses. Scarily, the pipe coming out of the rear pressure valve twisted and sheared off with very little effort.

Dave

[DaveandMarion]

Keep up he good work

As you know did mine recently and doing the other side took half the time as the first side as I'd tackled all the problems once already!

Also worth checking the upper spring mounts/bump stops and give them a prod. Mine were pretty much falling off but all the damage was hidden by the rubber cover. Once fixed it totally sorted out the spongy rear end.

Then don't check anything else as otherwise the van will be off the road for 12 months before you know it

[Jonnyb416]

Whilst you're going this far, you may as well replace all of the brake pipes, they are probably still the originals, and refill the system with fresh fluid.

Think I will go ahead with that and budget in new brake pipes Jon.

[Jonnyb416]

Keep up he good work

As you know did mine recently and doing the other side took half the time as the first side as I'd tackled all the problems once already!

Also worth checking the upper spring mounts/bump stops and give them a prod. Mine were pretty much falling off but all the damage was hidden by the rubber cover. Once fixed it totally sorted out the spongy rear end.

Then don't check anything else as otherwise the van will be off the road for 12 months before you know it

Cheers for the confidence boost

Checked the upper mount behind the rubber cover and it seems fine, thanks for that advice.

Made me laugh "don't check anything else" It's exactly what I think each time But my vans never been on the road since I've owed it (18 months now) and it won't be on the road for a while yet so I really need to get as much done as possible; thing is, suspension, brakes and all that have added loads more to the budget so it will just need to take a while longer and I will make do with the tent and Mondeo whilst I've still got youth (only just) on my side Jon.

[Jonnyb416]

I'm going to get the trailing arm, wheel hub and shaft completely removed tomorrow and decided I'm going to replace the brake pipes and probably the brake back plate as its rusty. Question I have please is....

Can I just cut the pipes with a grinder if the bolts don't unscrew easily?

Cheers, Jon.

[billy739]

you will probably find the inside of the bracket (where the bush rubs)is badly worn and idealy needs replacing.

it has ben known to bend the bracket outwards - ok if its good thickness , but if its worn then you should be replacing the bracket anyhow.

also was a good visual check made when you replaced the outer skin as the bracket corrodeds badly on the upper section inside the sill , there is a panel which sits directly ontop the mount which is body panel thickness , rust can start between these panels unseen for years!

[DavidPallister]

also was a good visual check made when you replaced the outer skin as the bracket corrodeds badly on the upper section inside the sill , there is a panel which sits directly ontop the mount which is body panel thickness , rust can start between these panels unseen for years![/quote]


Oh yes, I can vouch for this one, both sides!

[Jonnyb416]

I think I know where you mean. Thing is, that panel was already done when I bought the van so I'm not sure how solid it is in there.

I will post some pics up soon (currently nursing my man flu) but the off side lower side panel was also already done by the previous owner but they had used a part for left hand drive vehicle so considering starting again on this side as the welding aint too great either!

Jon.