408 front subframe / crossmember removal

[Thomas591]

I can confirm this! After sandblasting the spring pans, one had rust damage and both had stress cracks as described. I cut out all damage and reinforced the spring pans with new material on the stress points.

Regards

Thomas

Originally Posted by Kevin H

David,
While you have got the suspension disassembled I suggest you examine the bolt holes in spring seat pans for stress cracks.

I would also recommend that you mark the fulcrum brackets and scribe their position on the crossmember before removal

Assuming the suspension hasn't been rebuilt in the recent past, the wedge/distance pieces which sit on top of the springs may need replacing along with the steel and rubber rings used to isolate the coil springs.

Bristol Cars Services recommended using new turret nuts when re-fitting the wishbones (they are a special half-height turret nut).

I wrote a few posts about my experience with the front suspension which you might find helpful http://www.bristolcars.info/forums/8...uspension.html

Regards,

Kevin

[dwomby]

I took the second spring out today.

I looked at the spring pans. They need proper cleanup that may reveal cracks but I could see no sign of any today. Amazingly, the lower spring seats both seem to be reusable. The upper wedges and spring seats are just not there at all. I do have new ones to fit when I reassemble.

Try as I might, I could not get the spring pan to lower staying parallel to the wishbones (see pic) but it came down ok anyway.

I know the Spax part numbers for shocks but can anybody identify this Koni that was fitted?

David

[Thomas591]

Hi David,

My 411S5 was equipped with the same Koni shock absorbers. Maybe it is still the original, factory fitted, shock. I searched the internet today, but could not find any reference about Bristol and Koni shocks.

Looking at your spring pan, I can see some corrosion around the center hole. Get it sandblasted and then repair it. The spring pan is made from a two layer steel material and moisture can penetrate between the two steel layers.

Regards

Thomas

Originally Posted by dwomby

I took the second spring out today.

I looked at the spring pans. They need proper cleanup that may reveal cracks but I could see no sign of any today. Amazingly, the lower spring seats both seem to be reusable. The upper wedges and spring seats are just not there at all. I do have new ones to fit when I reassemble.

Try as I might, I could not get the spring pan to lower staying parallel to the wishbones (see pic) but it came down ok anyway.

I know the Spax part numbers for shocks but can anybody identify this Koni that was fitted?

David