Front Suspension Bump Stops

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 9:35 pm

While under my car I noticed that there are no Rubber Bump Stops on her front suspension. I know that they would have been there at onetime. However, the car was refurbished in the 1990's. I'm wondering if when this was done they left them out as there is no evidence of them ever being there. ie No bolt holes, no bracket assembly plates...nothing. As I am due an MOT this Feb., I am looking for advice on this one. If I have to fit them...do I drill in the inner wing to fit them just below the wing support bracket. I have also seen that the rebound checks have lost their rubber...but they are easy to replace as I can see where they go. Any advice is welcome.

Many Thanks

Post by **jonathon** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 9:43 pm

OOps, yes definately fit the top bumpstops, and yes you will need to drill two bolt holes to fit them. The lower stops are easily replaced as you say.

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 9:47 pm

Hi Jonathon,

I have just seen that on the inner wing support, there is one hole through the bracket that is engine side of the inner wing. However, this hole does not go all the way through to the otherside. Am I right in thinking, I should drill this through and then match up the other hole on the rubber plate and drill that hole...with all in line with the suspension ..of course.....or have I got it wrong?

Regards

Post by **jonathon** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 9:58 pm

Once you have the bumpstops (they are handed) I'd offer them upto the position of the hole you have found. This is the rearmost fitting and the other is on the outside of the flitch panel. A hole drilled through a flange which is about 15mm in depth. Just make sure that the center of the top trunnion aligns with the center of the bush on compression.
Hope this helps.

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 10:02 pm

Thanks Jonathon, yes it helps lots...many thanks.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 7:51 am

Absolutely essential - without these the inner wings will soon be destroyed. As J says - they are handed, and you need to be sure they will contact the tops of the trunnions squarely. You may find once fitted that the car is sitting low and almost on the stops - this would not be good especially on less than smooth roads - and so the car may need raising to give good suspension travel. But 'wait and see' (to avoid any confusion) if this is necessary.

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 9:26 am

Thanks for that advice bmc I'm just ordering the stops from ESM right now. Many Thanks!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 10:02 am

And the rebound rubbers too I hope - and you should just check if the rear suspension bump stops are present - on top of the axle at each side, held on by the leaf spring U bolts.

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 10:40 am

thanks

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 10:42 am

bmc, I ment I had ordered the rebound rubbers. However, ESM are out of stock of the lower rebound checks, they are to follow at a later date. Yes the rear suspension bump stops are there, I renewed them the other day. I don't know why I never noticed the top rebound rubber before (teach me to pay more attention in future) as I grease all my nipples twice a month......

Post by **Willie** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:45 am

The top bump rubbers are very prone to becoming a serious rust spot under
their metal plates so I would drench the area with Waxoyl or similar before
you bolt them up. As a quick check as to whether your car has been lowered
the gap between the top bump stop and the top of the swivel pin should be
approx. 2".

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 1:59 pm

Thanks Willie...I will check that out when fitting the rubber stops.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:43 pm

Yes - excellent idea about the waxoyl Willie.

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:24 am

I destroyed an inner wing by losing bumps stops on rough roads

Post by **Welung666** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:29 am

Thats why I have them on my monthly checklist for servicing.

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:10 pm

Guess I've been lucky then on this occasion. Something I should have know about after owning six marinas/itals in the past.

Post by **gairlochrosie** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 6:29 pm

Thanks all for your advice....Got the Bump Stops from ESM and they are now fitted.

Many Thanks.