Maggie the Toledo - rattles or just character?

[Essexwriter]

Some of my Toledos have rattled from the servo; it is the non-return valve that is faulty, which is the white plastic thing that the hose goes to, from the inlet manifold. No need for a replacement servo.

R

Problem identified, if not yet solved.

I took the car to Halfords at lunchtime (needed a spark plug socket) and took off the non return valve. Started the engine with it disconnected and - hey presto - dashboard rattle had vanished. Reconnected and the rattle returned, but slightly less loud (I blew in the valve to clear any debris).

I found this thread on here - JPB recommends dropping the valve in a mixture of hot water and soap powder overnight, letting it dry and refitting. I'll try that first and, if it fails, source a new valve.

(Checked the spark plugs while I was there. They're fine, so must have got the mixture right - though I got my first blood on the engine block from scraping my finger while loosening).

Thanks again for the help.

Cheers,

Ben

[Essexwriter]

New servo non-return valve from Rimmers installed. Dashboard rattle eradicated once and for all. I can now appreciate all the other weird noises she makes without them being drowned out

Many thanks for the suggestion. I'm sure I would have ripped out the dash in search of the noise if I hadn't picked up the tip from here.

[triumphtoledo]

Glad the club helped you. Maybe you should consider joining up

[Essexwriter]

Glad the club helped you. Maybe you should consider joining up

Considered and decided. I'm going to join up next month when I've paid the accountant's bill

[lazeruspete]

Glad the club helped you. Maybe you should consider joining up

Considered and decided. I'm going to join up next month when I've paid the accountant's bill

me too! whats the best way of joining up?

[DoloWIGHTY]

whats the best way of joining up?

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2412

[Essexwriter]

Just given Maggie an oil change, a new oil filter, replacement radiator hoses (thanks DazasDolly for the bottom one and the heater hose - also replaced). Filled to the brim with new coolant, air filter cleaned, and then wash 'n' waxed at the local Tesco.

Seems like as good a time as any to post some pics of her.

maggie_jan13a.jpg (38.36 KiB) Viewed 2048 times

maggie_jan13b.jpg (39.94 KiB) Viewed 2048 times

maggie_jan13c.jpg (41.99 KiB) Viewed 2048 times

[Essexwriter]

I sorted out my problems with the fuel pump and the engine ran like a dream (seethis post)

But the steering was still quite tough and rattly.

This lunchtime I noticed the front passenger side tyre had worn down to the metal wires. I took it round the corner to Colchester Tyres & Exhausts who with massive kindness put the spare wheel on for free. (I'll be going back there!)

She now runs like a new car. Steering light. No rattles unless you're overtaking a truck at 70. A total delight to drive.

Can anyone suggest what caused the problem?

I noticed in early December the front left tyre was significantly less inflated than the others (the first time I inflated the tyres). I also noticed the tread was more worn on the inside. I put it down to the under inflation.

But the problem clearly got worse.

Is it likely to be a duff tyre? A slipped band perhaps?

Or the suspension? But would that only wear a single tyre in that pronounced way?

I'm going to keep an eye on the tread, but suggestions welcome.

(One other thing to note - the steering wheel, which was significantly off centre anticlockwise is now off centre slightly clockwise, but with very minimal free play, unlike before).

Cheers,

Ben

[Toledo Man]

Wear on one edge of the tyre seems to be incorrect front wheel alignment. It should be 0-1.59mm (0-063") toe in on the Tolly. I've also had edge wear on the same side of both front tyres which is indicative of turning with the steering on full lock on a regular basis. Under inflation would give you wear on both edges of the tyre.

[Dolly-Nut]

Wearing tread on the inside is usually caused by loose or very worn suspension (I've experienced this on Dollys, check your nuts! - Suspension arms) or incorrect alignment.

[Essexwriter]

Thanks for the advice both. I'll check the alignment first and then tighten my nuts

[lazeruspete]

I'll check the alignment first and then tighten my nuts

sounds painful!!!

[Jon Tilson]

Inner tyre edge wear can be caused by the tracking being out of line but is more frequently down to wear on the inner wishbone
buse where it joins to the subframe.

This is a rose jointed bush which are now quite hard to source. Mick Dolphin still had a few lat time I needed one. The bush needs to be pressed out, or
you can get an exchange or NOS arm with the bush already fitted if you are lucky,

The drag sttut bushes where the drag strut jois the subframe also wear quickly. New Poly ones are available and quite easy to fit.

Quite unusual to see a Toledo in Brooklands green....

Jonners

[Essexwriter]

Thanks Jonners,

I'll take a close look under her at the weekend and see if I can work out what the problem is. If there's nothing obvious, I'll get the tracking checked. If the bush has gone, I'll try Mick Dolphin.

She's actually in Racing Green - the pics weren't taken in the best light conditions

Cheers,

Ben

[Essexwriter]

Always a joy to get a 38-year-old car back from its MOT with no advisories

Big thanks to Woody's Autos for fine work; and his neighbour and forum member DazasDolly for helping out with missing bits.

Huge smile on my face still. Another Toledo on the road for 2014...