Brakes, droplinks, bearings, blah blah blah

Morning all


After a few years off the road, I've managed to get the A2 (75, TDi) back on the road and passed an MOT, albeit with quite a few advisories.
Was contemplating putting money into another vehicle and selling the A2, but as we bought it from new, my good lady is reluctant to let it go.

It's not that nice to drive. it needs brake overall, possible a wheel bearing, service to get it something like.
Looking around the forum, I see what others have replaced and wondering if I should bite the bullet and replace as much as possible, new stubs, callipers (looks like nipples are seized). Wishbones/drop links/drive shafts (looks like a boot has split)??

Mileage is around 240K, and major parts are all original.

I see some parts from the makes of Ridex pretty cheap, are these a real no-no, or are cheaper parts better than old originals?

I don't expect to get another 240k out of it!;)


Just sounding out folks opinions, as I'm 50/50.

I would like to do some things myself, as I can sort out the basics.

Sorry for the ramble.

bra
 
Morning all


After a few years off the road, I've managed to get the A2 (75, TDi) back on the road and passed an MOT, albeit with quite a few advisories.
Was contemplating putting money into another vehicle and selling the A2, but as we bought it from new, my good lady is reluctant to let it go.

It's not that nice to drive. it needs brake overall, possible a wheel bearing, service to get it something like.
Looking around the forum, I see what others have replaced and wondering if I should bite the bullet and replace as much as possible, new stubs, callipers (looks like nipples are seized). Wishbones/drop links/drive shafts (looks like a boot has split)??

Mileage is around 240K, and major parts are all original.

I see some parts from the makes of Ridex pretty cheap, are these a real no-no, or are cheaper parts better than old originals?

I don't expect to get another 240k out of it!;)


Just sounding out folks opinions, as I'm 50/50.

I would like to do some things myself, as I can sort out the basics.

Sorry for the ramble.

bra
If you do all of the above, maintain it well moving forward and we’re not legislated off the road, it might just surprise you and do another 240k. It literally wouldn’t be the first.
 
A one owner A2, wow! I think that it would be worth your while to get it into WOM Automotive in Stoke on Trent, they very well versed on these cars and because they are currently working on them know all their current "little foibles" Having them advising you would probably be less money than trying all manner of cheap bits and finding that they don't work. Never very comfortable being at the bottom of the learning curve. Give them a ring.

Not affiliated, but aware of their status on this forum.

Best of luck,

Simon
 
As you’ve mentioned you can do the work yourself and the intention is just to get the car driving better on a budget, I’d just fit pattern parts and it should feel a lot tighter for not a lot of outlay.
 
Thanks all.

I've just worked up a rough list from ebay, (one supplier) and I'm looking at £1100.
They are not the cheapest of the cheap, could probably take 30/40% off, if I cut it to the bone.

I think the labour will be a substantial chunk more, if I send it somewhere.

That said is cheap motoring if I can get a year or three out of it.:)
 
When was the timing belt last replaced? Imagine oil pump chain is original too from you have said, this may be worth considering if not already done so
 
Thanks all.

I've just worked up a rough list from ebay, (one supplier) and I'm looking at £1100.
They are not the cheapest of the cheap, could probably take 30/40% off, if I cut it to the bone.

I think the labour will be a substantial chunk more, if I send it somewhere.

That said is cheap motoring if I can get a year or three out of it.:)
Works out better if you keep it for few more years.
 
Why, do timing belts need changing? ;)

I can't remember off the top of my head. It is on my list.

Oil pump chain never been changed. (Thanks for the heads-up)
Neither has gearbox fluid.

I know, I treat it rough.o_O

No one mentioned turbo yet... lol.
 
I will, after I've bought some:cool:
Already got the green light, so will get cracking at some point.

Just been looking at tyres too... it's been years since I needed to buy new ones... I see most are unknown Chinese makes now.
 
I will, after I've bought some:cool:
Already got the green light, so will get cracking at some point.

Just been looking at tyres too... it's been years since I needed to buy new ones... I see most are unknown Chinese makes now.
Can’t go wrong with Kumho, tyres that is.
 
Spending the money is well worth it I’d say. You know the car, you know it’s history and you know what needs replacing. The parts are cheap, a2’s are going up in value and what else are you going to buy for around £1000?
As already said above, thats 3 months rent on a euro box , so fix it, run it for 3 months then weigh it in for £400? (Only joking)
 
As one of the longest serving members of this forum (and all the while owning the same A2 bought new) - I think you know the answer!
 
Bullet bitten.

Kumho's ordered, thanks for the recommendation.

Any recommendations for best place to source parts?
Autodoc seem to have good choice but think I'd prefer to deal with a UK outfit.
Has anyone used Parts in Motion on eBay? they seem to have a good amount of parts.

Thanks again.

bra
 
Bullet bitten.

Kumho's ordered, thanks for the recommendation.

Any recommendations for best place to source parts?
Autodoc seem to have good choice but think I'd prefer to deal with a UK outfit.
Has anyone used Parts in Motion on eBay? they seem to have a good amount of parts.

Thanks again.

bra
Yes, I have used Car Parts In Motion before, no problems

J
 
Bullet bitten.

Kumho's ordered, thanks for the recommendation.

Any recommendations for best place to source parts?
Autodoc seem to have good choice but think I'd prefer to deal with a UK outfit.
Has anyone used Parts in Motion on eBay? they seem to have a good amount of parts.

Thanks again.

bra
Today, I have literally just returned from dropping my 2-week-old-to-me A2 1.4 petrol purchased for £1000 off at the powder-coaters with a boot full of 4 Blackcircle Kumhos for the wheels to be done. Wheels and tyres will be £520 all in.
 
I couldn't stump up for 'premium' tyres, just too expensive for what I need it for.

Looked at the date stamp on my current Dunny's... they are 8 years oldo_O
 
I couldn't stump up for 'premium' tyres, just too expensive for what I need it for.

Looked at the date stamp on my current Dunny's... they are 8 years oldo_O
Yes mine range from 2015 to 2019. But they've been sat in a garden in the same spot for 3 years... Good tread on Pirellis and other random brands.
 
Back
Top