Activa (& ES9J4) LCA/Spindle Question

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 06 Feb 2009, 09:59

Some models - Activas, V6s and maybe the diesels - use a different spec lower arm, spindle and hub.

What exactly is different about these parts (Series II)? I note the hub uses the same bearing as all others, and the lower control arm pivot bushes are the same (as are balljoints).

Do they come with a different camber setting? Different track width (LCA bush centreline to balljoint centre dimension)? Or are they simply a heavier forging?

ETA: It has occurred to me, that they may be a dropped spindle, too - by comparison with the regular units. Does the Activa have a different specified ride height to a regular saloon?

Thanks, Adam.

Koukku · Unread post by **Koukku** » 07 Feb 2009, 16:50

Activa's lower arms have threads for attaching roll corrector's control rods.

V6 and 2.1TD (maybe 2.0 HDi also) have larger front brakes, but I don't know if hub or spindle is any different because of that.

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 07 Feb 2009, 19:19

Thanks for the info. I'd not considered the idea of stuff (linkage rods) bolting into the lower arms.

Does anyone have input on whether the ride height settings for an Activa or V6 are different to (say) an LX?

Regards, Adam.

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 07 Feb 2009, 19:38

Yes, the lower arms are threaded - something a decent DIY'er or machine
shop should manage to do or you can buy them off ebay here listed on co.uk

Actually, I have noticed the Activae ride a lot higher visibly than other
hydractive/non hydractive Xantiae though cannot find any spec info
to support this observation - actually, it was drawn to my attention by
a lister on club-xm!!

thanks for the runthrough pm Adam - I do have the TCT estate in silver
with AC/leather and sunroof C/W towbar. Not totally sure now if Activa
donor won't get fixed with new replacement low mileage engine I've
just picked up mind!

Andrew

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 08 Feb 2009, 09:32

A quick poke under the car reveals the standard lower arms have a little "peck" in the centre of two moulded bosses - one near the balljoint, the other near the pivot shaft. Drilling and tapping this would be straightforward.

Interesting comments on the ride height!

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 09 Feb 2009, 00:33

I take it, the Activa fixing is at this inboard boss, circled?

Straight white lines are datum marks - inboard one is on the centreline of the pivot shaft while outboard one is on the centre crossing of the balljoint stud.

Between the two is approximately 305mm. Anyone game to wriggle under their V6 or Activa to measure that same dimension?

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 09 Feb 2009, 00:57

That doesn't look right; the wishbones just have a flush thread tapped
into the top side of them for securing the roll linksges. I'll take some
piccies and measurements for you.

Andrew

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 03 Mar 2009, 08:39

Hey Andrew, how are your opportunities looking?

Cheers, Adam.

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 04 Mar 2009, 21:01

Hi Adam,

I will try and dig out a new Activa arm I've got buried somewhere,
measure it and take piccies for you! Watch this space.

Andrew