| [ Total Views: 385 | Total Replies: 3 | Thread Id: 15920 ] |
|
|
 ianatalston
Learner Dubber
Posts: 7
Threads: 4
Registered: September 8th, 2003
Member Is Offline
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
|
| posted on November 19th, 2003 at 09:10 AM |
|
|
broken rear suspension on 75 Kombi - will it hurt?
The left side rear suspension"strut" thing got blown off its top mount last week going over a pothole.
The top mounting fixutre has totally gone, leaving a round hole behind.
The question is:
1) who can supply a new fitting - my local VW guy said only a Panel Beater could do it as the part is impossible to get?
2) I've been driving it around since on short trips, and it doesn't seem to make a blind bit of difference! Obviously VW and every other
manufacturer wouldn't stick those things on if vehicles didn't need them, but what actual damage am I doing by only having 1 side connected?
My VW guy said poor handling, but really haven't noticed much of a change at all. I presume tyre wear would be an issue the longer I left it?
Cheers
Ian
|
|
|
Andy
Son of Jim - Creator of Good
Andy's Adventures
Posts: 2819
Threads: 181
Registered: November 5th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Brisbane
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: Happy Man
|
| posted on November 19th, 2003 at 10:48 AM |
|
|
Hi Ian, and welcome to the forum. Always like to see more kombi drivers here.
Sounds like your mechanic’s got it about right. The top mount for the shock absorber is a casting that is part of the body, so not replicable as
such.
So, some one that can repair by welding in a new mount/re-attach the broken part is the only option. No easy task.
Also driving without it is not good for many reasons, as your mechanic said, poor handling, braking, excessive wear on the car
(bearings/tires/suspension etc), not to mention it’s illegal.
I’d also be wondering why it broke? Are the wrong shocks fitted? You may not notice the handling effects in normal driving, and yes you can get away
without them, but they will make a difference if your going to fast into a bumpy corner or doing an emergency breaking maneuver, just when you need it
most.
It definitely needs fixing. Oh, don't forget it's always worth getting a couple of quotes before handing out any hard earned dollars.
Andy
:thumb
|
|
|
mnsKmobi
Wolfsburg Wizard
Posts: 589
Threads: 27
Registered: August 27th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Melbourne
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
|
| posted on November 19th, 2003 at 10:49 AM |
|
|
I assume you mean that you have lost a rear shock absorber. Their function is to dampen the motion of the suspension and yes you *can* drive with them
missing or non-functional, but your handling and braking performance will be reduced. The problem is you may not notice the difference until an
emergency situation arises...:o:o:o
I can't shed any light on how to fix them, but I'm sure somewhere here can.
|
|
|
baybuscamperkid
Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber
prince of insufficient light, ruler of heck
Posts: 4316
Threads: 335
Registered: August 25th, 2002
Member Is Offline
Location: Victoria
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: transported
|
| posted on November 19th, 2003 at 10:52 AM |
|
|
havent had a look under mine recently, but if i remember right the mount was welded on? if it was welded you would probably be best to get a steel
plate welded across the front or back of the hole, then a new mount welded to it. maybe u can snag the mount from a wreckers? how old are your
shocks? is the one that broke off seized? seems odd that it could apply that much force to the mount.
Reimagined/Recycled/Upcycled Cool
|
|
|
ianatalston
Learner Dubber
Posts: 7
Threads: 4
Registered: September 8th, 2003
Member Is Offline
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
|
| posted on January 6th, 2004 at 07:08 AM |
|
|
A belated thanks for all the replies.
the shock mount was whacked off when I hit a pothole on a local dirt road in Adelaide, most probably quite a bit of downward force sheared the mount
off, although it has left quite a neat hole behind, not a big rip like you might expect..
Haven't driven it since, but did get some wear on the front tyre as sugegsted.
I'll see if I can get the mount from the wreckers as suggested.
Thanks again.
Ian
|
|
|
Astro Boy
Seriously Crusin Dubber
Posts: 154
Threads: 21
Registered: June 7th, 2003
Member Is Offline
Location: Blue Mountains NSW Australia
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: smiling
|
| posted on January 6th, 2004 at 07:33 AM |
|
|
i had this problem with my old magna ( iknow not vw - ive been converted, it was a long time ago) any way i delayed in getting it replaced and it
ended up braking an engine mount off and cracking the radiator. i know there is know radiator but it would seem to suggest that there is no cushioning
for the engine. if you are handy with an angle grinder grind of the plate, complete with mount and then just get a mechanic or panelbeater to weld it
on for you. or you could put up a post. im sure someone was an old bus for parts and could cut off the mound and plate for you. cheers John.
Save water, drive an air cooled Volkswagen.
|
|
|
