Mavs mot saga

[MontysMaverick]

The maverick was due for mot so took it a week early to ensure that I had the time to put things right, FAILED first time in 6 yrs... nothing really major rear anti roll bar links, and the front ones and rear o/s brake not working, and the exhaust was blowing, after looking I found the exhaust knackered, rear antis had no rubbers and a ruck of play on the front ones,so took it to the guy I use for bit and bobs and had these done plus treated meself to 5 nice new a/t tyres, laid out £600 squid for everything which I thought was bloody good value... Mot in hand whoopy 12 more months legal what could be better. Well 4 days later and down in the local village I was backing out from a parking space and heard this horrific noise after getting out and having a look I found that the o/s rear wishbone link arm had snapped and therefore the tyre was rubbing on the front arch. well I limped home and rang my mate (who couldnt believe it) after getting it on his ramp it was clear it had just rotted through. so after much arseing about and not being able to find a replacement bar and rubbers we ambushed a maverick that was destined for africa and had the ones off that, the bars was re-cond and resleeved and both sides were replaced.NOW the maverick rides like a new one and is so much tighter on the road. it sits right even though the torsion bars have been wound up(it had a slight list 20 mm before) and is a beaut to drive, The reason for the post is
" I WAS LUCKY" It could of snapped at anytime and at any speed I suppose so my advice is while the weather forecast is good for the weekend get on your back and check out them links and things, I certainly will be doing a monthly check on the links etc as its such a different/nicer ride when its all set up right, oh and can anyone tell me why the local motorfactors including the ones used by the garages dont stock this wishbone bar link, and where are they available from ???? and dont say main agents as 4 around here have had a mav part in for 5 yrs...again please check out your suspension even if its just a visual, I didnt and could of paid the price.

 

[11redrex]

Didn't they think to mention this on the MOT ?

 

[wildbri]

I am sorry to hear of your problem,There is a lot of corossion on the t2/mav chassie and although the vehicle looks very good, clean and shiney, underneath it can be very different when you poke around. Take my 1997 t2, it looks great, metal red with alloys, it runs and drives very nicly even at 120000 miles. But MOT time it is a nightmare. Just had it checked before MOT and the rear drop link brakets have rotted away leaving large holes which will have to have plates welded over the holes and new brackets made and fitted. Last year it was major welding and very exspensive replacment of the rear suspension spring top holders
and the chassie which holds them. http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/wildebri/TerranoRepairs?authkey=Gv1sRgCKaP3O-HjdvE6AE#

and the year before that I had the cills welded. Moral... if you are looking to buy an older t2/mav get underneath no matter how good it looks. regards bri

 

[briggie]

probably milners stock them

 

[MontysMaverick]

In answer to your question, "did they let you know of this on the mot????
NOPE The other side which I chose to have changed looked solid BUT the 1/2 inch bar was at least halfway worn through, thats what really shocked me. it looked fine and didnt budge when the guy put a 36 inch pry bar on it and pulled with some gusto, again when it was taken off the tension on it was tremendous and looking at it you would of thought it would do another 15 yrs, this is why I am telling you all to get them checked, The guy at the garage thought it bad that these parts arent a replace at say 50k items as it shocked him and he deals with all sorts of crap every day, BEWARE you have been warned I certainly will be trying to get a new set for mine and will replace at 50k from now, talking of that does anyone think Pete may be right with regards to Milners.

 

[briggie]

this site any good ?

http://www.sdn4x4.co.uk/terrano-2-7td-10-c.asp

 

[MontysMaverick]

:thumbs:thumbs Thanks pete...
Does anyone know what the actual name for this part ?????
I will describe it and await a rush of answers Looking at the o/s wishbone it connects towards the rear wishbone with 2 bolts and then goes into/through a triangulated piece that is welded to the floor and then you fit the bushes and torque it up. awaiting the rush with confidence Monty:augie:augie:augie

 

[briggie]

its called a thingummywotsit

 

[MontysMaverick]

Wildbri, I have just had a look at your repair pics and have a question for you. What price were the 2 parts that you show in the pics the ones for the top of the spring as I had a advisory saying that I had a "small amount of corrosion" on the n/s and was wondering if I have to start saving as they look like genuine parts to me cheers mate and sorry for being direct and to the point on the cost Monty
Pete... I thought you might say that, I said the same when ringing around for one:clap:clap:clap

 

[wildbri]

The two spring brackets were from nissan, we couldn't find them anywhere else and they cost

£164 EACH, yes each..... I was contacted by a member who said he would try to make his own. The member was called FREEBIRD. regards bri

 

[MontysMaverick]

164 each!!!!!

Bloody hell wildbri that a lot of money for a pieces of scrap plate welded together, Think If I have any issues I will get a mate to make some up, probably make up a template whilst I can wouldnt be a bad thing, trouble with when you find out issues like this its always at M.O.T time and youve only 10 days to get the jobs done and re-tested or your in for another load of money for a bloke with an inspection light, reading your post, you are quite right as with the older T2s the old tin worm can be a issue, the car that was going to Africa was a 97 maverick and it was absolutely shot underneath, all the way down the inner sills it was gone and outer, both front wings and rears were like looking at a pepper pot, so it looks like I am going to be a shareholder in waxoyl lol. as I dont really want to swap cars as I am on the whole very pleased with my mav