Help - Front Anti Roll Bar Mounts

[IanHighfield]

HI all,

Found a petrol leak at the front of the car. Inspection showed it was from ubder the cover that goes over the anti roll bar. Removed the cover (2 nuts and 2 allen bolts) and found two broken jubilee clips on the fuel pipe (right by the tank exit).

Replaced the jubilee clips, and then reposition the large cover plate.

Have replaced the two nuts, but CANNOT get the allen bolts back in. These attach the front of the anti roll bar rubber mounts to the car - VERY poor technical description - sorry.

Can I drive the car like this (am supposed to be doing the Carole Nash Cotswold rally tomorrow!), at least to the garage to have them replace the allen bolts, OR does anyone have any ideas of how to get the bolts back in.

I can get the bolt in, but it just turns - not biting on the thread.

Thanks

 

[bones]

Sorry to hear that Ian , I have a place but no car too. I looked up all my diagrams but couldn't really locate the allen bolts. If you can't relocate them maybe the nuts they bolt to have moved out of position. Poke a screwdriver in the bolt hole and squint with a torch to see if you can realign things. If that fails remove everything in the way of the bolt hole and try to tighten the bolt back in there just to assure yourself that there is something there to fasten to without anything in the way. I doubt you have stripped the threads just loosening it. If you can't relocate the bolts I would advise not driving (frustrating as that is) and wait for better advice, sorry can't be of more help. Try later when everyone's back from the pub or post here and watch.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&forumid=8

 

[IanHighfield]

Thanks Bones.

I have looked through Wayne Dempsey's book and find this is referred to as the belly pan. It is held on with two nuts and two allen bolts. It covers the fuel pump and steering rack. It is removed to do jobs like replace the fuel pump and tie rod ends.

The sway bar has bushings on the end by the suspension, and two bushings toward the centre of the car. It is these two bushings that are held in place by a bracket with four bolts (two of which double up and hold the belly pan).

Have posted on pelican as you advised.

First job I have had to do on the car, so I guess it is my first running (or not) report.

Thanks,

 

[dtunnicliffe]

Ian,

I assume you have taken the vehicle weight off the front road wheels while attempting to replace the allen bolts? Even at rest there is quite a bit of torque on the anti-roll bar. You could undo the outer ends of the bar and then repeat your steps in replacing the allen bolts. Can't find the piece but I've read somewhere that difficulty will be experienced if you don't undo the outer fixings first. Good luck!

Dave

 

[Guest]

Agree with Dave; you can't insert allen -socket bolts - into belly pan until both wheels are at the same position, in other words, car sitting on a pair of ramps (front wheels). Then its a piece of piss.

 

[IanHighfield]

Have re-read a couple of Wayne Dempsey's projects, and they do indeed jack the car up and support on axle stands.

I had the car up on ramps (i.e. load on the suspension) and hope this is what is causing the problem.

Will be out there soon to get it done - fingers crossed.

 

[IanHighfield]

Thanks guys, finally got it all back together.

Jacked the car up (first time, so took ages and LOTS of car - paranoid it might fall) and removed the front wheels. Then removed all four bolts (including two allen head) that hold the anti roll bar in the centre of the car. Inspected and cleaned the bushes, but am sure the anti roll bar needs to go forward about 0.25 inches.

This would make the whole job much simpler, as the holes are a real bu**er to align.

However, I can at least say that I have now inspected the steering and suspension, and am determined to give the whol front end a good overhaul this winter. Particularly after I read a thread on Pelican where the guy has loads of pictures of his refurbished and painted front end.

I spent hours laid on my back on the driveway, so will really need better access to do the job properly. I may consider renting a lock up with pit / ramps etc. or similar with other members if they are near to me. Just a thought.

Anyway, thanks again, and although I did miss the Carole Nash rally, I am back on the road.

 

[bones]

Glad to hear you got it fixed Ian, pity you don't live closer I'd be into hiring a lift etc. BTW put some spanners in your signature and join the 'Porsche Buddies' scheme.