Has My Car Been Lowered In A Previous Life?

[c_r_thomson 0]

What's the deal with the back wheels on my car? They don't lean in and are straight up and down. The handling is not affected (to my knowledge).

 

Should i lower the front wheels and see if it levels out

 

All advice eagerly awaited

 

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/c_r_...on/IMGP0717.jpg (back)

 

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/c_r_...on/IMGP0716.jpg (front)

 

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/c_r_...on/IMGP0715.jpg (front)

 

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/c_r_...on/IMGP0714.jpg (back)

[niklas 1]

Looking at the last picture (which should be http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/c_r_...n/IMGP0714.jpg) the rear axle looks shot..

Edited August 11, 2006 by niklas

[c_r_thomson 0]

Damn, not what i wanted to hear!

 

So the only way forward is getting a refurb?

 

If so, anyone know of any places in Scotland? and approx cost?

[tagy 1]

Looking at the last picture (which should be http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/c_r_...n/IMGP0714.jpg) the rear axle looks shot..

 

what makes you say that ?

[Jonmurgie 2]

The wheel shoudl not be sat that far back in the arch... OK the rear bumper could be pushed in but the arch trim looks like it's all sat right so would suggest the beam is bent, IMO

[max0 5]

its very hard to see if the car is lowered or the beam if shot from the pictures. it could just be the camera angle etc.

 

the price to refurb a beam (if it needs doing, which most do) for parts alone is about £180 for a full refurb, if your lucky and your shafts are ok (very rare) then the price will be a lot less (i think the shafts are about £70 ish each of the top of my head). if your really unlucky the cross member tube could have worn away as well.

 

ive got the part numbers if you want them send me a pm with your email and ill forward it.

 

id post some more clearer pics of the car from futher back and do a search on "beam" to find out more info on how to check for a shagged beam

 

edit, also the level of the ground could make a difference to the photos.

Edited August 11, 2006 by max0

[bitchass 205 0]

yes, rear beam gone. mine is the same. it went for an mot last week and they said it was gone and showed me. Although my nearside rear wheel is camber outwards alot. didnt fail it though they were very friendly garage.

[arry 0]

apart from the obvious suspension sag and camber issues, are there any other telltale signs of a shot rear beam then? I get an occasional creak in reverse - could this be bad?

[brianthemagical 1]

don't forget the rear mounts ( the single bolt with the block of rubber) is adjustable front to back, this could cause a toe effect and also make one wheel further back than the other.

[Alastairh 47]

Looks standard height to me.

 

But yes i would agree it would need a refurb and the distance in the arch would suggest this.

 

Aim to pay around the £250-£300 mark for a refurb.

 

Alastair

[niklas 1]

what makes you say that ?

 

When the bearings are worn out leaving a gap, the wheel can take almost any angle. Because of gravity the wheel in most cases lean inwards but it's fully possible for the wheel to take this angle too as long as it gets stuck in that position (which can happen during driving).

 

Conclusion, when the wheel takes an angle (without any crashes of course) then in 10 out of 9 cases the beam is dead.

[max0 5]

When the bearings are worn out leaving a gap, the wheel can take almost any angle. Because of gravity the wheel in most cases lean inwards but it's fully possible for the wheel to take this angle too as long as it gets stuck in that position (which can happen during driving).

 

Conclusion, when the wheel takes an angle (without any crashes of course) then in 10 out of 9 cases the beam is dead.

 

my beam had no angle, camber but it failed its mot. on opening it up the bearing on one side had gone and and had worn the top of the tube away.

[c_r_thomson 0]

Thanks for all the info guys!

 

I'll get on the case of finding a decent place that'll do a refurb near me. Failing that, i'll try for a replacement. Unless the job is easy enough to try DIY?

[Dream Weaver 2]

Mine was far back in the arch like that, until I had a refurbed beam fitted and it's now spot on