DIY Mechanics

[dss123]

Bit of time off over chrimbo so I thought I'd take the opportunity to sort a few minor niggles with my S1 ready for it's MOT. Thought I might share my experiences with you.

Needed to replace track rod ends and steering rack gators.

Nearly fell at the fist hurdle as I couldn't get the damn locking wheel nuts off. Couldn't work out how the black tube thingy was supposed to remove the locking wheel nut covers so ended up using two screw drivers and 45 minutes of cursing.

Loosened the track rod end nuts and the damn things just self separated so the stud just spun around as I tried to remove the nut completely. Tried to load the joint back up but it wouldn't work so had to get a nut splitter on the case.

Next job - removal of steering rack - sounds easy in the service notes but my 6'2" frame has never been contorted into such a painfull position to get at those bolts in the footwell!

Disconnected steering shaft - could I remove the steering rack? - could I bugger! Top tip, don't try and remove it from the off side - as far as I can make out, it's impossible. Try the near side as it comes out fairly easily - couldn't see why but it did take me a few hours to work it out!

Changing the bits was no problem, measured up the steering arms and did an accurate job of fitting new rod ends.

Re-assembly not too bad although the alignment marks I put on the lower steering shaft UJ and rack shaft had "vanished" so had lots of fun trying to re-align the steering rack!

Also fitted and S2 wiper arm from elise parts - very simple job, less than 5 minutes start to finish.

Everything back together now and she feels great, I'm sure a new wiper arm and some bits of rubber shouldn't effect performance but I think she even feels a little quicker now! ;


Cheers fellow DIYers


Dunc

[cuzza]

dss123 said:

Nearly fell at the fist hurdle as I couldn't get the damn locking wheel nuts off. Couldn't work out how the black tube thingy was supposed to remove the locking wheel nut covers so ended up using two screw drivers and 45 minutes of cursing.

There is an adaptor in the black tube which goes on the locking nut, it has a hex head on it which fits a wheelbrace very nicely. The black tube is for removing the covers - push the smaller end over the silver caps on the locking nut, when it clicks, retrieve!

Good on you for getting it all sorted yourself - might need a geo now though to make sure everything is lined up right.

I have a set of harnesses to install this weekend, stand by for hilarious tales in a 'need to get car fixed by someone qualified, but can't get seats back in' type

[fergusd]

dss123 said:

Next job - removal of steering rack - sounds easy in the service notes but my 6'2" frame has never been contorted into such a painfull position to get at those bolts in the footwell! Dunc

Heh . . . no need to remove the rack to change the gaitors . . . it can be done with the rack in place quite easily ;-)

Still . . . now you know how to remove the rack so it'll be faster to change when you need a new one ;-)

Fd

[dss123]

Cheers Cuzza,

I had no probs with the locking wheel nuts it was just those damn covers! I think my black tube might be buggered 'cos I could not get it to engage at all, maybe I was just using in wrongly.

Oh well, you live and learn.

I agree with the geo check. Will get that done at next service. Handling feels as solid as it did before so I think I got things back as near as damn it to what it was before!

Good luck with the harnesses, I have the elise parts harness bar and luke harnesses - they're great. Doddle to fit 'cos I didn't do it!

I do recall driving around in an old mini, with an upturned washing-up bowl as a seat, while I was waiting for my brother to strip the seats out of his S1 RS Turbo! Happy days! Damn comfy actually!

Cheers

Dunc

P.S.

Fd, did consider attempting changing the gators in situ but it looked like I would have needed 1 foot long needle nose pliars!

>> Edited by dss123 on Tuesday 4th January 17:09

[fergusd]

dss123 said:

Fd, did consider attempting changing the gators in situ but it looked like I would have needed 1 foot long needle nose pliars!

All you need is a bit of steel rod, about 2-3 feet long, with a slot in one end to help you tighten up the zipties on the gaitors . . .

Guess it takes <30 minutes a side . . .

Fd

[340ragtop]

well if its anything like house electircs, working on your own car will be illegal soon.

The sooner I can leave this god forsaken land for a real country the better.

[K-Serious]

Are there manuals for the S2??

cheers