ZX Volcane TD - keep or get rid?

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Dillan
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ZX Volcane TD - keep or get rid?

Post by Dillan »

I bought a ZX Volcane TD in March this year. It's a 93 on a K-plate with 67k on the clock. Paid £1500 for it. Previous owner bought it as a demonstrator when it was 3 months. They'd spent quite a bit on repairs on it in the preceeding months before I took it over, mainly brake work (stripped rear brakes, fitted new discs and rear brake calipers) to get it through it's MOT in February 2002.
Since I've had it I've had both rear subframes and mountings replaced and not one but both rear brake calipers. That's not far off £700 worth of work.
Yet I still really like the car but beginning to wonder, especially since the last brake calipers only lasted 9 months, whether I'm going to be in for some other big f**k off bills!
Dillan
Jon

Post by Jon »

I find it very odd that 2 sets of rear brake calipers have been fitted in such a short time. These calipers (also fitted to 205 1.9 GTi and R5GT Turbo) are generally very good and last many years.
I've never fitted a new/recon one in 8 years of ZX driving.
The key to keeping them free and easy is plenty of copaslip on the pad backings, and the caliper body where the pad touches. Its also worthwhile carefully prise back the rubber bellows that covers the handbrake mechanism lever and inject some grease maybe once a year.
Your problem may infact be caused by seized handbrake cables, or faulty rear brake compensator valves; both of which would mean that insufficient pressure is being applied to the rear brakes, causing them to seize.
ZX TD's are generally capable of inter-stellar mileages if looked after correctly, many members of this forum, myself included own and drive these beasts. I do 700 miles a week in my old K plater which has banged in 35k miles a year over the last 2 years with only minor niggles.
Jon Wood
forum@andyspares.com
Dillan
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Post by Dillan »

Yep. I found it odd that it's gone through two sets of rear brake calipers in 9 months. My first suspicion was maybe the parts fitted at the time weren't up to scratch hence them failing within a week. I would assume that the loss on one side caused the other to collapse.
Looking through the paperwork for this care I was quite taken aback by how much work it's had done to it. On top of everything else I've mentioned it's also had new discs at the front, most of the brake pipes, clips and compensators replaced, head gasket and cylinder head re-skimming.
I've had four new tyres put on and the exhaust blew a hole up the front and that's been replaced.
I just hope that's it for a while cos even though I really like the car I can't keep on replacing everything!
mbunting
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Post by mbunting »

At least it's almost a new car now <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
sooty
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Post by sooty »

I've a ZX but not a Volcane but a 1996 Elation TD, done 115,000 mls and presently doing approx. 250mls a week. Touch wood, no major problems only regular servicing and servicable parts like brake pads etc.when they are due, which I do myself.
I'll keep mine probaly till it fails the MOT on the body, regardless of the milage.
Sooty <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>
andyg
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Post by andyg »

Keep it!
I have a Volcane TD on an L, its probably the best car ive owned. It gets abused terribly by a driver with a lead filled right boot but it was tuned up by Van Aarken. Yes, my rear calipers seized but once you know about it, you can keep on top of it by routine maintenance. the genuine (original) exhaust fell off after 7 years (not bad) and although my car is white (and looks like a rally car), there is'nt a spot of rust on her yet!!. Not bad for a car thats 9 years old.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Simon Canfer
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Post by Simon Canfer »

The work mentioned doesn't seem too excessive to me for a K reg car. I'm on my second ZX TD, but my previous (K reg) had to have a new head gasket at 148k; and this doesn't seem an uncommon operation on this engine :)
I'm only amazed you haven't had radiator and matrix problems; my R reg is on its second rad already, at 55k!
I'd keep it; what else will touch it for that money? I'd say the ZX TD is the best bang for the buck out there.
Your rear disc brakes remind me of the BX; lack of use leading to seizing. Think yourself lucky you haven't got the drums: they're surely the work of the devil!
Simon Canfer
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