Just to finish off. Managed to get it all back together just before Xmas, had a few things to sort out after when I could get the bits. All went fairly smoothly with the exception of the roll bar bushes, 24mm supplied in the poly kit so had to change them for 21mm ones. Also the nearside anti roll bar mounting bracket had fractured so the two parts did not hook together. Ended up paying through the nose to get one from Rimmers. Fitted an new pad fitting kit (the pads squeal like a banshee with no shims fitted). Fitted the little R clips (unlike the previous owner). Bled the brakes all round to be sure. Only other little niggle was the spilt pins in the new wheel bearing kit were too big for the new stub axles! No idea which part is wrong. Found some that fitted nicely. So all is good.
Tips for anyone else doing this:
- Check the drag strut holes in the subframe, chance are they are worn and elongated. Easily repaired with a bit of weld. Also look at the ends of the drag struts themselves. Mine were OK but easy to see how some could be badly worn - they can be made good but probably easier to find aome better ones.
-Check the diameter of the anti roll bar before ordering new bushes!
- Have a good look for stress cracks on the roll bar mounting brackets.
-Be prepared to find some replacement washers for the drag struts and some of the sub frame mounts - they can get quite badly pitted with rust.
- Give the splines on the steering rack, steering column and the lower knuckle joints a good clean and light oil to make re-assembly easier, make sure the knuckle slides on and off easily on both parts before offering up the completed sub frame - don't forget to centre the rack and the steering wheel.
- Reckon on changing all the rubber bits - especially things like ball joint boots and steering rack gaiters.
- don't forget to check the tracking when it is all back together.
Next to redo the sunroof, it has a big tear where someone took a knife to it to break in.
Sub frame all ready to go back on the car.
Lifting it up into position.
All bolted up
Don't expect it will stay clean for long!
Roger