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Aluminium Suspension Upright

Posted: 09 Jul 2007, 18:04
by Phil Laing
Hi Guys,
I have just finished rebuilding the subassembly on my series 1. Engine gearbox and everything back and looking great BUT!!!!

I looked underneath to tighten the engine mountings and discovered that a piece of aluminium from the upright had broken away just below where the lower wishbone attaches to the upright. There is still aproximately 10mm of aluminium between the shaft that goes through the silent block. (I can email pics if anyone wants to see them. (This obviously happened before I reassembled everything as there is still paint on the cracked edge.

My question is: Is there anyway of removing the upright to replace it without removing everything, engine gearbox , driveshafts, steering etc?
or, I guess a silly quesiton, is this crack really critical?

Re: Aluminium Suspension Upright

Posted: 09 Jul 2007, 20:35
by Lucas Geheniau
Show us a picture of it.

Aluminium Suspension Upright - Picture of the crack

Posted: 10 Jul 2007, 10:57
by Phil Laing
Okay i have finally set up a flickr account and uploaded an image of the cracked upright:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9907669@N04/767945940/

If you click on the all sizes button just above the pic, you can see an enlarged version.
Hope that helps...

Re: Aluminium Suspension Upright - Picture of the crack

Posted: 10 Jul 2007, 12:47
by ecoangel
Doesn't look good - might be able to get it welded though.

Better to be safe than sorry.

Try Ian Jemision if you are near York : http://www.alloywheelrepairs.com/

Re: Aluminium Suspension Upright - Picture of the crack

Posted: 10 Jul 2007, 19:58
by Lucas Geheniau
Hi,

It looks like the car hit something. It is not caused by the normal load.

If it is only at one side, I would not worry that much.
The bolt must be tightened with the correct torque.

I don't know if welding is allowed for the material, if not , it could be dangerous.

Lucas

Re: Aluminium Suspension Upright - Picture of the crack

Posted: 16 Jul 2007, 17:02
by 1600hf
Looks familiar, Phil! Had it on both sides by hitting stuff. Would replace the upright myself. Very messy if lower arm comes loose

Re: Aluminium Suspension Upright - Picture of the crack

Posted: 18 Jul 2007, 22:59
by Huib
I agree. Replace it. There are plenty around. Note that the berlina ones are different. The holes for the steering boxes are in different places because of the different angle of the steering column.