Aluminium Suspension Upright

[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?

[Lucas Geheniau]

Show us a picture of it.

[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...

[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/

[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

[1600hf]

Looks familiar, Phil! Had it on both sides by hitting stuff. Would replace the upright myself. Very messy if lower arm comes loose

[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.