View Full Version : Dollywobbler's Maverick
dollywobbler
02-02-2012, 16:55
I'd better start a thread for this I guess.
Here's my 2.4i Maverick swb.
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/394117_10150640431223200_640023199_11109173_114197 4526_n.jpg
Today I started the servicing. While the oil was draining, and after discovering that I'd been sent the wrong spark plugs, I decided to investigate the horrific sounding brakes. Here's a small clue that all was not well.
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/418727_10150640426608200_640023199_11109163_146228 0461_n.jpg
What surprises me is that it's only in the last few miles that a grinding sound has been heard. I got caught out because a quick inspection when I had the tyres changed revealed only that the other pad had plenty of meat on it.
Unsurprisingly, the disc is knackered too.
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/424900_10150640427248200_640023199_11109166_159111 9652_n.jpg
This'll be why! Seized pistons in the brake caliper.
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422552_10150640427478200_640023199_11109167_999542 239_n.jpg
I'm trying to get my hands on a second-hand replacement, but have ordered new pads and discs.
With that trauma behind me, I set about changing the oil filter. Easy! Er, no. Most of you know about this, but for those that don't, here's the oil filter seen from above. It's that blue thing that's out of focus.
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407443_10150640426753200_640023199_11109164_463370 187_n.jpg
Access via the inner wheelarch isn't a whole lot better, but I was helped by the fact that the filter was seemingly only finger-tight... I hope I've done a better job of fitting the replacement.
I also dropped and replaced the coolant, though I couldn't flush it out as I'd hoped as my outside tap had frozen solid. It was bloody cold today. However, after successfully 'burping' the system, the heater seems better! Quite pleased about that.
Had to put the caliper back on the Mav so I could move it, albeit with handbrake only. To be continued...
Yep its cold out there today. Dont forget to read the download before you change the discs and pads. regards bri
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/downloads/workshop/wk36.pdf
dollywobbler
02-02-2012, 18:10
Thanks. As with the other stuff I've already downloaded and digested, that's a very useful guide. Guess I should do the job properly and lube up the hubs while they're off.
(RIP) PLANK
02-02-2012, 18:27
what's up with the old calliper? I have had stuck sliders and with perseverance and some penetrating oil it can be fixed :thumb2
'edit' just read your caption to the above photo doh....
getting there. try ringing rose garages in tregaron, they may have one there scrap.
dollywobbler
02-02-2012, 18:54
Thanks Fez. I'll give 'em a try tomorrow. At least at the end of all this, I'll know what's what. And hopefully avoid any nasty surprises come MOT time...
while u got the tyre off chuck some grease on the stearing stops heard folks on hear saying about thudding noise on full lock and seams to be the solution to this
might not be a prob now but in couple of month after all that work u might be wishing u had done it
good thread keep up the good work:thumbs
nice job mate, bet it runs really well now.
Uncle Silvia
03-02-2012, 12:57
Hi
Are you the same DOLLYWOBBLER from RetroRides/Autoshite Fame??
Im on there too :D
dollywobbler
03-02-2012, 13:25
Any idea how you differentiate between the two types of caliper on these? Apparently some have cut-outs for the hose locating lug, and the other type don't. I've no idea what I've got! Don't know if this pic helps.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l271/dollywobbler/IMG_1379.jpg?t=1328268933
dollywobbler
03-02-2012, 15:51
Sorted. It's the type the chap had in stock so it's now on its way, with discs and pads coming from somewhere else. Hope the weather's nice next week...
dollywobbler
06-02-2012, 13:32
Ugh. Unsurprisingly, the caliper sliders are borked. Managed to get one out with a bit of gentle persuasion, the other one required some rather firmer treatment! I lack a vice, so opted to try and remove the sliders on the car. Lots of penetrating oil, some 'back and forth' with a spanner (some taps with a hammer were needed to get it moving) and then hitting it with a chisel in the direction I wanted it to go eventually had the thing out. It took a LOT of walloping! No wonder the brakes weren't working properly...
Naturally, the rubber boots were a casualty, and the sliders themselves look dreadful, so I guess this job's on hold while I buy some more bits. Have caliper, pads and discs, so hopefully it won't be too long until it's all sorted!
Ugh. Unsurprisingly, the caliper sliders are borked. Managed to get one out with a bit of gentle persuasion, the other one required some rather firmer treatment! I lack a vice, so opted to try and remove the sliders on the car. Lots of penetrating oil, some 'back and forth' with a spanner (some taps with a hammer were needed to get it moving) and then hitting it with a chisel in the direction I wanted it to go eventually had the thing out. It took a LOT of walloping! No wonder the brakes weren't working properly...
Naturally, the rubber boots were a casualty, and the sliders themselves look dreadful, so I guess this job's on hold while I buy some more bits. Have caliper, pads and discs, so hopefully it won't be too long until it's all sorted!
When doing the Discs, there is quite a bit of work, no special tools but a 6mm AF allen Key in a 1/2" socket and a torque wrench won't go amiss, as the Auto-hub bolts can shear, as my local main stealer did, but failed to tell me until I took the wheel off some time later.... But that was 14 years ago when it was still under the 3 year warrenty.
You will also have to remove the wheel bearings, and the bearing nut is a great piece of engineering, held together with a small pozidrive screw, I think there is a down load on this. DON'T loose the screw...:doh
TIP: don't push the driveshaft inwards when re-assembling as it needs a gorilla to push it back in from the back so you can get the snap ring back on.... :doh Quite a few members would have no problem with this....:lol
I made that error, and it was quite a maul but dooable...:confused:
Think safety.... Axle stands all round, I even put the removed wheel under the chassis, with some blocks of wood to save damage to the rim, should it slip.
You are looking at a 2+ hour job each side, so why not grease the bearings, Auto Hubs, so read up on those tasks while you are waiting for the bits to arrive.
Get some copper slip ( Grease) for the pins, for the rear of the new pads.
dollywobbler
06-02-2012, 17:09
Thanks. I've been reading the download on the disc change with great interest. I was indeed planning on greasing up the hubs, though rain stops play now - that and the fact that I've failed to locate sliders and rubbers! (have now though)
Some great tips there though. I'll try not to repeat your mistakes! (but I don't make any promises...)
(RIP) PLANK
06-02-2012, 17:51
stuck sliders? looks like my advice wasn't so wrong after all :thumbs
stuck sliders? looks like my advice wasn't so wrong after all :thumbs
If we put all our minds together we would be dangerous :lol:lol
dollywobbler
06-02-2012, 19:03
Indeed! Disc now off. That was a bit of a job! Separating disc and hub wasn't easy at all. They were keen friends! Inevitably, despite my best attempts, I was left with one 'thing' after removing the hub that left me thinking "where did you come from?" Now off to have a gander at the download on disc removal again to see if it has any clues...
Auto-hub is indeed looking a little low on grease so I'll be busy tomorrow even though my sliders won't arrive then.
I am a little concerned that the pistons in the LH caliper seem very 'rigid.' Should it be possible to push them back? Going to need them to go back a bit to get the new pads in.
11redrex
06-02-2012, 19:18
If the pistons won't, you could pop them out, remove the fluid seals, and clean the inside of the bores. You'll need something bent to get in the groove that the seals come out of, so you can scrape all the crap out that collects in there. Don't scratch or damage the pistons, bores, or seals. You can reuse the seals if they're in good condition, but I would recommend replacing them.
What's the "spare" bit look like ?
dollywobbler
06-02-2012, 19:44
It's the locking washer according to the guide. Thought I was being really careful putting everything down in order but that somehow slipped through the net...
Where does it go in the order of things?
11redrex
06-02-2012, 20:00
The locking washer from the hub ?
dollywobbler
06-02-2012, 20:05
Aye. Item 8 on the 'hub and disc' info sheet.
11redrex
06-02-2012, 20:09
Goes on after the hub nut, held in by the 2 tiny philips head screws you were very careful not to lose :thumbs
This might help :
http://nissan4u.com/parts/terrano2/er_r20/1997_3/type_12/axle_suspension_and_steering/front_axle_and_front_suspension/illustration_2/
or this :
http://bebrs.pie-dabas.net/Webs/Terrano/R20/fa.pdf
dollywobbler
06-02-2012, 21:15
Super, thanks. I must have been paying so much attention to not losing the screws that I failed to keep an eye on the washer!
EDIT - forgot to mention, as a general update, that I dropped the rear axle and refilled with fresh LSD oil yesterday. The oil didn't look too bad, but there was gunky mess around the drain plug, so well worth doing. Still got the gearbox and front diff to go - and does the transfer box have separate oil?
11redrex
06-02-2012, 23:39
I believe so, that's one of my next jobs to do, after some interesting whining and clunking today led me to believe the 4wd isn't disengaging properly.
(RIP) PLANK
07-02-2012, 12:01
Super, thanks. I must have been paying so much attention to not losing the screws that I failed to keep an eye on the washer!
EDIT - forgot to mention, as a general update, that I dropped the rear axle and refilled with fresh LSD oil yesterday. The oil didn't look too bad, but there was gunky mess around the drain plug, so well worth doing. Still got the gearbox and front diff to go - and does the transfer box have separate oil?
Yes the transfer box does have separate oil. Make sure you get the right oil in your gearbox, it's GL4 as opposed to GL5 the latter has sulphur added which can damage 'yellow metal' components. I think the majority of gearbox problems on T2's can be traced back to the wrong oil :thumb2
dollywobbler
07-02-2012, 12:45
Thanks.
Just got the first new disc back on. Now to turn my attention to the other side. Am hoping that Bigg Red can sort me out with new sliders and boots as I'm having trouble sourcing them elsewhere. The Ford dealer would only sell the entire caliper seal and boot kit which would not have been cheap.
also dont forget, try the filler plug first before draining the oil. But you probably know that
dollywobbler
07-02-2012, 14:29
Thanks Fez. I made sure I did that with the rear axle. Always a sensible move!
Sadly, the LH caliper also has seized pistons. I'm not doing very well here! Was considering a rebuild kit, but the pistons look pretty corroded so I guess another caliper is in order. At least the sliders are behaving on this side.
At least I shouldn't have any brake worries for a while after all of this work!
11redrex
07-02-2012, 18:49
Big Red is pretty damn god for brake parts, I got pistons form him last year. I will just say one things about your brakes, they're the only thing that's going to stop you, so you might as well spend the time money making them work properly.
Seen people spend £££s on sintered racing carbon ceramic big nob brake pads and double wall extra strength ribbed for your pleasure brake hoses when the money would be far better spent on a caliper overhaul.
dollywobbler
07-02-2012, 18:53
Aye, I don't begrudge it too much, just a bit miffed that the Citroen BX I dragged out of a garage (where it had sat for three years) has had no brake problems at all! Mind you, I think that was looked after slightly better than this Maverick has been...
dollywobbler
08-02-2012, 21:25
Sadly, I put my back out when working on the Mav yesterday, so today has seen no progress. The other caliper has arrived now, but still awaiting the new sliders and boots, so not like I could have got it finished today anyway. Also, the water on our Mini's roof was still frozen at 2:30pm, so sitting in the warmth wasn't a bad way to spend the day!
Hopefully the sliders will arrive tomorrow and I can get the job finished.
dollywobbler
11-02-2012, 15:28
Finally got the job finished, with a fairly large amount of pain! My back is not happy. However, my Maverick now stops properly. Pedal is still quite soft. Is that how they are or do I need another bleeding session? Stops well enough, though I've only clocked up about 30 miles so far, so haven't given them a serious work out while they bed in.
Now got to rest my back as I'm laning next weekend - that will not be fun with a poor back!
dollywobbler
12-02-2012, 16:44
Decided to test both truck and my back with a spot of laning. I know a fairly gentle lane in Nant-y-Moch so had a quick explore.
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/417053_10150666983373200_640023199_11189618_513222 312_n.jpg
Initial conclusions are that it's pretty capable really, though it struggled in some places due to the lack of axle articulation. A bit of momentum compensated sufficiently. Planning a bigger spell with a group next week. Bring it on.
dollywobbler
12-02-2012, 17:09
Ah, I imagine that makes a BIG difference. What does it do to the handling? I guess softening up the rear might actually make it less likely to snap into oversteer?
just taking the rear off apparently makes little difference in comfort but helps articulation alot but I'd make the seatbelt bolts shorter with a grinder as they can cut your inside of tyre when fully articulated.
I wouldn't know as I have taken front and back off.
Again it rolls more but still comfortable, I don't drive fast anyway.
dollywobbler
13-02-2012, 15:42
I shall consider it.
Filled up today. First tank has come in at 22mpg, which includes playing in the snow, a brief off-highway foray and a fair bit of tinkering with the engine running. A little lower than I was hoping for but not far off.
dollywobbler
20-02-2012, 18:35
As it happens, I found the Maverick plenty flexible when off-roading the other day. It got through sections where others struggled, though not to big myself up too much, I think I'm pretty sensible behind the wheel - it's all about line and, where needed, a bit of momentum.
I'm very pleased with how its behaving now. The engine's pulling really nicely since the fuel filter change and the brakes are bedding in nicely. Quick question though - how soft should the pedal be? It's really quite soft at the moment and I'm wondering about another bleed of the front circuit.
Glad it's working well mate, Saw the pics on FB and your blog. Shame I had to miss that day due to a friends party.
dollywobbler
23-02-2012, 17:08
Sorry, this pic is a repeat from the laning thread - just updating my rolling Maverick thread.
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/426313_10150683525143200_640023199_11236290_116985 2064_n.jpg
There seems to be an occasional knock from the front end after the greenlane fun. Probably ARB links I guess. I shall investigate at some point (if the rest of the fleet stop giving me endless jobs to sort out that is!)
Decided to test both truck and my back with a spot of laning. I know a fairly gentle lane in Nant-y-Moch so had a quick explore.
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/417053_10150666983373200_640023199_11189618_513222 312_n.jpg
Initial conclusions are that it's pretty capable really, though it struggled in some places due to the lack of axle articulation. A bit of momentum compensated sufficiently. Planning a bigger spell with a group next week. Bring it on.
not very wide for a lane looks like u get different speed humps to us:lol:thumbs
dollywobbler
26-02-2012, 23:32
Perhaps more flex at the back wouldn't be a bad idea...
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/422462_10150702213588200_640023199_11297323_759819 989_n.jpg
makeitfit
26-02-2012, 23:35
I can help you there :sly You just need a pair of +2" extra travel shocks, I've got them in stock, £40 a pop :D
Oh and get rid of the arb :thumbs
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14075
dollywobbler
26-02-2012, 23:48
Tempting. I'd like to keep it stock for the time being. I never struggled for traction today, just waved a wheel in the air occasionally! I had a look at Fez's truck the other day (nice to meet you Fez and thanks for the tyres!). It's very different to mine! Quite impressive.
you need to see petes, takes it to another level.
Ferguson
makeitfit
26-02-2012, 23:57
They wont change the ride ht, and they're a much better shock than stock ones :thumb2 Same as I sold to Fez :D
makeitfit
27-02-2012, 00:24
Here you go check out the articulation on our trucks in Fez's pics and notice how the Frontera doesn't :lol All this for a pitiful £40
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15033
dollywobbler
27-02-2012, 10:39
Very impressive. I may well be in touch next pay day. Still need a brake fluid reservoir cap if you've got one and I now need a driver's sun visor too.
makeitfit
27-02-2012, 10:47
Very impressive. I may well be in touch next pay day. Still need a brake fluid reservoir cap if you've got one and I now need a driver's sun visor too.
OOPS sorry forgot about that :doh I've just rang my mate who works in the scrappy, one may fall into his lunchbox accidently maybe later :augie
dollywobbler
02-03-2012, 23:27
Eep. 20.3mpg on the last tank of fuel. Perhaps I should have left the clogged fuel filter in place...
To be fair, I've done over a day's worth of laning on this tank, which is never likely to yield excellent economy. Mind you, I've also been enjoying the fact that it pulls beyond 3000rpm now as well...
(RIP) PLANK
02-03-2012, 23:58
Eep. 20.3mpg on the last tank of fuel. Perhaps I should have left the clogged fuel filter in place...
To be fair, I've done over a day's worth of laning on this tank, which is never likely to yield excellent economy. Mind you, I've also been enjoying the fact that it pulls beyond 3000rpm now as well...
This may have been said, but if you haven't done it yet, service your auto hubs :thumb2
dollywobbler
04-03-2012, 00:04
Well, I've greased them up a bit when I had them off for the disc change. I didn't do much more than that. The RH front disc does seem to get mildly warmer than the LH but I was wondering if that was a hint of brake bind rather than hub? Though it could only be a faulty hose as I've replaced everything else! There's not enough heat to cause concern and it's only the disc-to-hub bit I've noticed (I don't generally touch the actual braking surface).
dollywobbler
17-03-2012, 17:05
Had some fun on the N-Y-M washouts today, as I fancied a quick run out. The Maverick may wave wheels in the air but it keeps going!
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/424839_10150744279678200_640023199_11438908_321645 306_n.jpg
Need to do something about the clonking ARB drop links though. Payday can't come soon enough!
dollywobbler
01-04-2012, 14:43
Spent yesterday getting VERY stuck at Red Valley Motorsport. If you want to go and play with the mud-tyred Land Rovers in the woods, DON'T use a Maverick with stock ride height and all-terrain tyres. Oops! I learnt a lot about recovery techniques...
Mind you, I was able to enjoy a good hoon on the way home, and Land Rovers aren't so good for that! :D Pics to follow.
dollywobbler
01-04-2012, 15:11
Well, the day seemed to involve an awful lot of this!
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/392551_10150776035398200_640023199_11560774_261682 601_n.jpg
me and makeitfit went there after a very wet week, Bad mistake we wasn't going anywhere fast.
Learnt some good recovery techniques but soon got bored of winching everywhere.
dollywobbler
01-04-2012, 19:00
Aye. I did wonder what it was like most of the time given that we've had about three weeks with no rain at all! Not my cup of tea, but useful to practise recovery techniques. I prefer not to get stuck in the first place though!
dollywobbler
26-07-2012, 23:18
Finally took the Maverick down Strata Florida this evening. Another Maverick you may recognise was there. Check out the differences!
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/487708_10151128401738200_826867796_n.jpg
Coped with the bombhole ok (both ways!).
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576130_10151128403218200_834189724_n.jpg
I did bash the underside quite a few times. No damage done thankfully. There are a LOT of rocks on Strata! Some are hidden in muddy puddles.
On the way home.
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/484061_10151128405023200_377652971_n.jpg
waterboyrob
13-08-2012, 22:34
Great thread
dollywobbler
16-10-2012, 21:36
When 96terrano came to join us at Nant-y-Moch, I was a bit miffed that my Maverick was struggling in places that his wasn't. Time to look at the ride height.
http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/602484_10151270587693200_814794023_n.jpg
Definitely too low. In fact, the LH side was a good 2cm lower than the RH side. I set to with the spanners and things seem much better now.
http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/282383_10151270587838200_1875054728_n.jpg
The biggest problem was freeing off the lock nuts for the torsion bar adjusters. In the end, I used a third spanner wedged between the two 19mm spanners to force them in opposite directions. This worked really well. I did the RH side with the car on the ground, which was bloody hard work. Knowing the LH side needed even more adjusting, I opted to jack it up to take the weight off. Very much worth doing, even if you then need to drop it off the jack to check the height.
I haven't gone crazy with the lifting, just brought it up to the recommended 20-30mm difference front and rear. Hasn't made a jot of difference to the handling but should result in less scraping when laning - wishbones aside...
96terrano
17-10-2012, 01:20
Much better :thumb2
dollywobbler
03-11-2012, 17:08
In a moment of weakness, I almost sold my Maverick. However, I think I'm ok now.
I did get as far as giving it a good clean. Shiny!
http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/64569_10151292264663200_481300076_n.jpg
As you can see, I own two Nissans (even if one of them wears Ford badges!).
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