405 Brake Compensator Spring

steelcityuk · Post by **steelcityuk** » 22 May 2007, 13:20

My 405 has failed on a broken rear brake compensator spring. Would anyone know if I can get just the spring from somewhere or what other models have one fitted that may fit?

Thanks.

Steve.

504GLD · Post by **504GLD** » 24 May 2007, 22:03

Have you asked your Pug parts man? you might be surprised!

matt · Post by **matt** » 24 May 2007, 22:45

Last time i tried to get the part from the dealer they only sold the whole compensator,gsf had the same answer too.

Ended up just welding a new hook on the end of the spring!

i was amazed it worked too.

I dont know of any other psa group vehicle that shares this spring(which is rare) So might be a case of the scappy

Have fun

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 25 May 2007, 15:04

I would not recommand welding on steel used for springs.

Instead some brains on what the spring is there for ?
Does the springforce in ANY way influence the function of the brake limiter ?
If not there are 1000's of possibilities to source a new spring.

The way I remember these brake limiters from my time before Citroens, is that the spring is used as a simple flexible rod to transfer the position of the rear ARB to the limiter valve.

Please dont hesitate to correct me if I'm wrong.

matt · Post by **matt** » 25 May 2007, 17:16

AndersDK wrote:I would not recommand welding on steel used for springs.

Instead some brains on what the spring is there for ?
Does the springforce in ANY way influence the function of the brake limiter ?
If not there are 1000's of possibilities to source a new spring.

I wouldnt normally weld spring steel either when the mot is round the corner i didnt have much choice!

I think the spring acts as a buffer?One end is a threaded rod that screws through the compensater the other end is hooked over the trailing arm.The more weight on the rear of the car,the more brake pressure is sent to the rear drums.So if the compensater is variable(which it most likely is)the spring rate will have an effect on the rear brakes,so it may be difficult to find another the same spec with the threaded rod aswell.

Dont you just love pugs eh

caveman_si · Post by **caveman_si** » 29 May 2007, 11:17

Find a similiar shape, size and strength spring and replace it.

I had this issue a few yrs ago on my old 405. And was told by everyone the only thing to do was replace the unit as one. A lot of money for what is a 5p spring.

I found a spring of almost simialr shape, size and strength and replaced. Was a little fiddly to replace, but on the retest everything was fine and both sides were exactly equal in breaking.
The hard part is finding a similar spring.

fastandfurryous · Post by **fastandfurryous** » 30 May 2007, 21:51

If you're lucky, I may have one on a scrap 405 rear axle I have here.

I'll get back to you.

steelcityuk · Post by **steelcityuk** » 31 May 2007, 09:09

After scouring the scrapyard I hadn't found anything similar on the cars so I grabbed a selection of springs from other parts of the vehicles. I managed to get a indicator retaining spring to fit, it's just about the right length and the large hoop can be unfastened then threaded through the brake compensator lever. It seems to work OK and the car passed it's test.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Steve.

matt · Post by **matt** » 31 May 2007, 22:06

Nice one,made a mental note for the next mine goes!