The Triumph Dolomite Club - EzBoard Archive

I noticed tonight at the petrol station the auto TC is definately slumping at the fron left corner. Not had chance to investigate further, but any ideas what might be the problem?<br>
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I'm hoping for a worn/ broken spring, as I've got a couple of spare ones kicking about... (and some 1300fwd ones too, which are shorter, so I could lower the front end! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> ), but is it likely to be anything else?<br>
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I remember seeing the car sat low that corner a few days ago, but assumed it was the slop ein the car park causing it, had a look when I reversed out, looked OK to me... But now it definately looks quite unwell <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :( --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /frown.gif ALT=":("><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

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usually with a broken spring you should hear a bang as you turn the wheels lock to lock, but not always!<br>
springs of the same age usually wear and drop evenly unless somebody very heavy has been in the pass seat often.<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

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Well, took a look up the arch, spring looks fine, can feel a bit of movement I think in the wheel, but not jacked it up (jack's not here). Thing is, there does seem to be a squeak and slight movement in the damper top when I rock the car - Is there a bit of rubber there by any chance, that might have rotted through? The car is only slightly down on that side, not dragging the lfoor or anything, and is perfectly driveable..<br>
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Just phoned Canley for a 1300fwd throttle bulkhead bush thing, cause I decided to get to the bottom of the tappet rattle ont the auto too... Saw the exhaust on #1 is already near the end of the adjustment. Thought "that's odd". Ran the engine with thumb holding the rocker, rattle stopped. Tried to feel amount of play with engine off. Couldn't. Wiggled pushrod, saw pedestal move!. Tried to tighten it with a short spanner, nut just sheared straight off <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :( --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /frown.gif ALT=":("><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> So new stud on it's way to tide me over till I fit the new lump.<br>
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Best remember to phone and order a nut too, so it all turns up tomorrow am and I can fit it all without having to go out...

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Silvery,<br>
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You have about the worst luck going. I think if the TDC gave out an endeavour award to a member for perseverence in the face of unsurmountable mechanical woe, it would definitely go to you.<br>
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Keep up the good work!<br>
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Scott

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Check the bushes - if the bottom damper bush is worn it will drop the car a bit<br>
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Also check the damper hasnt snapped at the top mount.

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If it weren't for bad luck...<br>
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And when I say things always go pear shaped for me, people tell me I'm just being paranoid!<br>
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I should be popping up to the garage tomorrow to dig out my jack and spare front springs/ shockers if the Canley bits turn up, so can drop the left one off and take a look at the problem. t certainly seems to be more a prob at the top end, going by the squeak and visible movement. We shall see. Holding out for it being the top bushes, 50p each seems a good price to pay for a couple of flat bits of rubber if that's all that's needed <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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Took a look under the car again, removed the remnants of the right rear front sub lower bush... Guess it really is time to replace those too! It came away in my hand...<br>
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Not too bothered about hte front left corner as I've got a spare hub, spare shocks, spare pretty much everything - But you can bet it'll be the part I don't have spare that's shot - Mainly arms. If the damper has broken somewhere, not to worry. At least there's only the three top nuts and one bolt that needs to come off (bet it'll all be seized now I've said that), so it's an easy job if it's shocker related <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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Now, how much shorter are those 1300fwd ones I've got spare.. I feel inclined to do some lowering... <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :rollin --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

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