Rear Sag

Ross · Unread post by **Ross** » 10 Mar 2005, 03:27

On my L reg 106 diesel the rear offside suspension appears worn as the car does not sit square when parked in fact it has a fair amount of lean - Haynes makes passing comment about the torsion bar arrangement and adjustment to the same - I have tried a couple of garages who really didnt want to know - has anyone adjusted the ride height via adjusting the torsion bar settings and is it something that is relatively easy to do or not ? Is it easier to replace the whole rear suspension with a unit from the breakers ?
Out of interest did any marque of 106 have rear discs ? the discs would be a bonus if I did change the rear complete.
Thanks

PowerLee · Unread post by **PowerLee** » 10 Mar 2005, 12:39

Adjusting rear torsion bars is possible, But if you have never done one before, You could be letting yourself in for a major headache! Thats why the garages didnt wont to know!
The 106 GTI had rear discs fitted
Give these people a ring & ask them
http://www.sspengineering.co.uk/

bikeboyz · Unread post by **bikeboyz** » 13 Mar 2005, 19:17

This is a common 106 problem, its simply a case of knackard rear shocks. 30 mins to change them, look them up on gsf! It sags on the drivers side mainly I am guessing?

rotodiesel · Unread post by **rotodiesel** » 13 Mar 2005, 23:49

Unassisted shock absorbers have no influence on ride height. The most likely cause of a lop sided 106 is the failure of one set of trailing arm bearings. This is not an easy job; better to get a complete rear axle assembly from a breaker.
I would not fit disk brakes to the rear of any car of moderate performance and weight if you want a trouble free and effective handbrake.
rotodiesel.

Richard Gallagher · Unread post by **Richard Gallagher** » 14 Mar 2005, 00:12

I quite agree, fitting rear discs and then geeting the back to lock up every time you brake moderately is a good laxative.

fastandfurryous · Unread post by **fastandfurryous** » 14 Mar 2005, 03:33

If this is a failure of a set of trailing arm bearings, it may be that it cannot be repaired without a replacement axle. The needle roller bearings in these run without an inner race, running directly on the axle assembly. I say running, I really mean "reciprocating", which is the problem really, as the needle rollers wear grooves in the axle end, thus ruining it. It's a really awful design, going against everything "correct" in design engineering. The 405 suffers from the same design of rear suspension, and there are very few 405 estates that haven't developed a wonky nearside rear wheel.
Having said that, I have a design of bush in my 405 at the moment which I am hoping has meant that despite having a knackered axle, the rear wheels sit at the correct angle, and it won't wear out in 5 minutes. If it works, maybe it'll be marketable. Anyone else want to try a set?

David Humphrey · Unread post by **David Humphrey** » 14 Mar 2005, 12:43

yes would be interested.
David

fastandfurryous · Unread post by **fastandfurryous** » 14 Mar 2005, 16:26

Unfortunately I've just realised I no longer have access to the machine shop where I made the set I am currently running on. I may put the drawings to a Manufacturer and get them to make me a trial set or two, to see what the cost is.
Most Scrappies charge at least £150 for a good 405 Estate back axle, so if it's less than that, it must be a bonus, especially as it means you don't have to change the axle, which is not exaclty fun.
If anyone else is interested, then please e-mail me. The more interest there is, the faster I am likely to do something about it!

bikeboyz · Unread post by **bikeboyz** » 14 Mar 2005, 17:31

You didn't say which side your 106 is sagging on looking from the rear, I would guess it is the drivers side.......