Front suspension strut change.

p2roverman · 27th October 2023, 18:37

Two questions please.
I had to remove the suspension strut and hub carrier as one piece, but these are now separated. I'm fitting a complete new strut as I just had one; my question is - is it easier / preferable to fit the strut first or the hub carrier first?
Second question - the tin shield behind the disc is severely rusted and breaking up; I plan to remove it completely. I don't see this being an issue for Mot or anything else but would welcome comments.

Note that this work is on my spare car which is in very poor condition, but as everything works I'm hoping to get another year out of it while doing a proper job on my other 75.

SD1too · 27th October 2023, 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by p2roverman

... my question is - is it easier / preferable to fit the strut first or the hub carrier first?

From my experience Mike, it doesn't matter because you'll have to lift the hub to mate it with the bottom of the strut and the hub is incredibly heavy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by p2roverman

Second question - the tin shield behind the disc is severely rusted and breaking up; I plan to remove it completely.

That's the stone guard which protects the disc from damage and clearly from rapid corrosion as well! I recommend that you fit a replacement whilst you're working on the suspension.

Simon

p2roverman · 27th October 2023, 23:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD1too

From my experience Mike, it doesn't matter because you'll have to lift the hub to mate it with the bottom of the strut and the hub is incredibly heavy.

That's the stone guard which protects the disc from damage and clearly from rapid corrosion as well! I recommend that you fit a replacement whilst you're working on the suspension.

Simon

Thanks Simon. I'll fit the hub first, connect and check the ABS sensor.
As I don't expect more than 5000 miles and another year out of this car before breaking I'll just remove the stone guard. This brings me to report an issue with my daily driver a couple of years back. Apparenly lost power and was juddering so I stopped to find a front brake not just red-hot, but bright orange, almost white hot. Obviously I wasn't going anywhere but after sitting for half an hour I felt the car start to run backwards, the brake had come free. I carried on with my journey, the brakes have been perfect ever since, I've not replaced anything, mot passed. What caused the problem a don't know, if it was a stone the stone guard certainly didn't work so I've no compuction to keep them.

Ed3 · 28th October 2023, 14:21

My n/s disc guard fell off from rust and I note the main guard is towards the rear of the disc and does not seem to me designed to do much to protect the front. And so may be not actually designed as a stone guard.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282599851143

I wonder if the intention behind these guards is in case there is an oil leak or grease off a split CV joint boot/cover

My 3 disc guard screws/bolts are so rusted it will be difficult to get a new one on and I am wondering about making up something my be polythene from a camping food plate or used milk cartons or like material and even cable tie it on to the hub/strut (and may be pull it off for the MOT)

xsport · 3rd November 2023, 19:35

Pump some of the fluid through on the calipers. Or change it completely. It wont be any good now its boiled ... Best to sort out the seized caliper issue as well before you do any more miles !! Ok you dont want to spend money on her but , your life is far more important , i would have thought ..

27th October 2023, 18:37	#1
p2roverman Gets stuck in Rover 75 Connie Tourer & Connie SE Saloon & Club SE Tourer Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Leeds Posts: 974 Thanks: 199 Thanked 71 Times in 59 Posts	Front suspension strut change. Two questions please. I had to remove the suspension strut and hub carrier as one piece, but these are now separated. I'm fitting a complete new strut as I just had one; my question is - is it easier / preferable to fit the strut first or the hub carrier first? Second question - the tin shield behind the disc is severely rusted and breaking up; I plan to remove it completely. I don't see this being an issue for Mot or anything else but would welcome comments. Note that this work is on my spare car which is in very poor condition, but as everything works I'm hoping to get another year out of it while doing a proper job on my other 75.

28th October 2023, 14:21	#4
Ed3 Loves to post Rover 75 CDTi saloon Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: UK Posts: 305 Thanks: 88 Thanked 29 Times in 26 Posts	My n/s disc guard fell off from rust and I note the main guard is towards the rear of the disc and does not seem to me designed to do much to protect the front. And so may be not actually designed as a stone guard. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282599851143 I wonder if the intention behind these guards is in case there is an oil leak or grease off a split CV joint boot/cover My 3 disc guard screws/bolts are so rusted it will be difficult to get a new one on and I am wondering about making up something my be polythene from a camping food plate or used milk cartons or like material and even cable tie it on to the hub/strut (and may be pull it off for the MOT)

3rd November 2023, 19:35	#5
xsport Posted a thing or two rover 75 club se Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Leicester Posts: 1,643 Thanks: 358 Thanked 419 Times in 310 Posts	Pump some of the fluid through on the calipers. Or change it completely. It wont be any good now its boiled ... Best to sort out the seized caliper issue as well before you do any more miles !! Ok you dont want to spend money on her but , your life is far more important , i would have thought ..