Today I.....

Great job. I agree it’s a total PITA, especially the drivers side. Made worse if you have a Webasto. I have done two, and I must have been good in a previous life as the bolts came undone with no recourse to the captive nuts shearing.
 
simufly said:
Great job. I agree it’s a total PITA, especially the drivers side. Made worse if you have a Webasto. I have done two, and I must have been good in a previous life as the bolts came undone with no recourse to the captive nuts shearing.
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You were bloody lucky Simon

Paul


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I have to agree, the drivers side is a right PITA to access. Moving the fluid reservoir is a job and a half in itself! 1st time, I undid all the bolts fully, only to see the slot. Wasn't a happy man when it came to putting it back on.
 
Toby said:
Almost all of Today, I:

Replaced one, ONE! front shock absorber on the drivers side of my TDI75.

Before I go any further, that has to be in the top 3 hardest jobs I've ever done on any car. I've found doing a top engine rebuild, and replacing a clutch on a mini easier. I'll have to be completely honest - there was a moment where I was afraid I would have to call a mobile mechanic, or get a low loader to come take the car away. Nothing would ever convince me to ever try that (on the drivers side) again. I am not looking forward to the passenger side tomorrow.

seaside car, everything corroded (brakes discs+pads were done a month ago)
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Obligatory shot of the terribly placed brake reservoir

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Guess what those two things on the left are:

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Captive nuts ripped right off!

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Total nightmare trying to get leverage on the nuts from underneath, while trying to stop the top spinning

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The only way I could get something on the nut - had to bang it on with a hammer as the nut fouls the top mount.

Also had to cut the track rod end off - luckily I have new meyle ones in the garage.

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Off the car - the strut was gushing fluid out of a rotten part of the damper (yellow arrow). I decided to reuse the bump stop, rather than a new Bilstein one - the OEM was about 6cm tall, and the Bilstein ~9.5cm. I OEM one was in good shape, and I didn't think that adding a huge bump stop would be a good idea.

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All in all, 1/10 - would not recommend.
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It happens rather often that the captive nuts here are starting to spin with the screw when attempting to undo them.
Here is a trick I am practicing and which might sound counterintuitive, do not try to undo the screw the slightest (important) , instead just torque it clockwise until it snaps! That way the captive nut never get a chance to spin free.
 
Jellybean said:
Today I had a Spoiler day. Jelly got a Votex tailgate wing, boy thats a tight fit, even without Tiger Seal. Cannot see it coming off now!
Smurf was also treated to my homemade tailgate wing. This was screwed due to it being slightly bowed, and stuck with Tiger Seal. Filled the screw holes, now for more filling, sanding, filling, sanding!
Whilst waiting for everything to set, I blew over the Rear Bumper, and Front n Rear Votex Skirts with colour coat.
Let the paint go off, then a gentle rub down, and laquer coats.
Cuppa tea time!

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Toby said:
Oh, and I started at 1pm, and just finished tidying up at 8pm. 7 absolutely appalling hours :mad:

Last pic, all back on the car.

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Been there done that like many I suppose, so welcome to the front suspension club🥴.
I got my A2 from Sandbach in Cheshire and I'm sure it had been used down one of their salt mines, I had been soaking my captivated nuts and bolts for a few weeks but still had one spin on the passenger side (in the corner near the bulkhead) bought one of those rotating finger sanders and ground the nut off. Also had trouble getting onto the nut until I cut a piece of the bulkhead sound deadening material away, enough room to get the socket on squarely
 
Went for a Sunday drive - I’m liking these wheels a lot:
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Stan H said:
Been there done that like many I suppose, so welcome to the front suspension club🥴.
I got my A2 from Sandbach in Cheshire and I'm sure it had been used down one of their salt mines, I had been soaking my captivated nuts and bolts for a few weeks but still had one spin on the passenger side (in the corner near the bulkhead) bought one of those rotating finger sanders and ground the nut off. Also had trouble getting onto the nut until I cut a piece of the bulkhead sound deadening material away, enough room to get the socket on squarely
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Finished the passenger side in about a third of the time. No broken captive nuts and a fairly painless process, considering how much a pain the drivers side was.

The ride is nice, but I think I got the most improvement out of the rears.
 
George Hogg said:
Today I had breakfast with Colin the Courier, @V666col he’s got a healthy appetite that lad.
He was dropping off some bits and pieces, he wrapped up all the body panels up and secured them in his van. It’s really nice to know that whatever he’s delivering will be looked after. Thanks Colin.
As I’ve said before he’s a great lad, a bit shy but great.
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This Club really restores faith in people, (I was going to say humanity, but that's a bit hyperbolic).
We are a lucky band indeed.
Mac.
 
So... Car got though MOT for another year on Saturday with 3 advisories. Rusty front brake discs (is it me or do you have to replace them every 3 years or so due to the lip build up on the top and bottom?).... Oil leak which I presume is still coming from the manifold...I'll look to get the turbo replaced next year I think. Finally the power steering pipe has come back to haunt me. This came up 2 MOTs ago and despite finding a replacement pipe from Steve my mechanic decided it was too difficult to replace so cleaned up and painted... So it's back. Anyone changed over the pipes is it difficult to do?
 
cheechy said:
So... Car got though MOT for another year on Saturday with 3 advisories. Rusty front brake discs (is it me or do you have to replace them every 3 years or so due to the lip build up on the top and bottom?)....
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I had that one year - I think the advisory said pitting. Didn't change them but day before the next MOT went and did some high speed braking. Passed without comment. Same garage.
 
Today I spent some fruitless hours search for decent tie rod ends with a reasonable delivery (not 10 days from Germany). If anyone can help please see my post here

Track Rod End Ball Joint Boots?

So do i....all the best with it. 👍
www.a2oc.net www.a2oc.net

Edit: Success! I have found Lemforder Track Road Ends at Euro Parts - see above post
 
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Today I left George Hogg and he kindly reminded me that I’d left my suitcase in which was my cpap machine so after tonight you may not hear from me again. It’s been good getting to know you all. Take care everyone. Lol
 
Today this
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Came to see this
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On account of a transmission issue which means the car thinks it’s in reverse. Worked through all the usual workarounds, scans etc without success.

Tomorrow El’y will be chauffeured to WOM and no doubt those wonderful Womersley boys will get to the bottom of it. (Once she gets to her place in the queue for their valuable time!)
 
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