Moans and Pet Hates - Part 8

[rhyds]

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

Been doing a pre MOT inspection of the Metro GTi 16v. Found a few simple to fix things but the big ticket item is the rear subframe mounts are badly corroded. I poked them with a screwdriver and now there's some holes. Frame also looks a bit dodgy

I need to replace the rear flexible brake hoses, going to upgrade to fully braided all round to pick up the braking, which also needs the frame to be dropped so I think I'll remove the frame completely to allow for refurbishment and to get better access for my MIG welder onto the mounting areas for putting in some new metal.

Least I can do the work and before somebody says scrap the car, one of this model went for over £3K on ebay recently and it wasn't mint. They're so rare now that the value is only going one way: up.

FWIW I'd avoid braded hoses. I put a set of goodridge ones on my 45 and both fronts failed. I much rather decent OEM spec rubber hoses for road use now.

Does your GTi have the vented front discs? I always found the solid disc/drum setup on my 1.1s pretty good, especially after nipping the rear brake adjusters up.

---------- Post added at 14:41 ---------- Previous post was at 14:36 ----------

As for today's moan, Orange/EE want 10 working days (also known as two weeks) to generate my Galaxy S3's phone unlock code. Now I know I could play about and root the phone and unlock it myself, but I'd rather not brick the phone until I've worked out my plan for replacing it.

[heero_yuy]

Originally Posted by rhyds

FWIW I'd avoid braded hoses. I put a set of goodridge ones on my 45 and both fronts failed. I much rather decent OEM spec rubber hoses for road use now.

Mmm. Something to think about. Modders reckon they tighten up the brake feel and take some slop out of the action. I'll go see what the peeps think on the mg-rover.org forum.

Does your GTi have the vented front discs? I always found the solid disc/drum setup on my 1.1s pretty good, especially after nipping the rear brake adjusters up.

Fronts are fully vented with sliding calipers and very positive. Rear drums are basically like the old mini: Leading / trailing shoe. Last couple of MOTs I've struggled with them to get enough brake action to keep the tester happy, I wonder if the criteria has been changed? Though the handbrake does hold on a 1 in 6 hill (backwards!) as I discovered recently.

Mind you the last thing you want when anchoring up hard is for the rear braking to be too agressive.

[rhyds]

Sounds like my old metros. I'd start by stripping and checking the shoes/mechanisms both sides, before cleaning and greasing everything and then setting the brake adjusters carefully (I borrowed my dad's old mini brake adjusting spanner from 1970-odd...). It might be an idea to dig out a new fitting kit (springs etc) as the old ones might be getting a bit tired by now.

I can't remember if metros had a brake biasing/compensator system set up, but I doubt you'll cause rear brake overkill with the drums.

[heero_yuy]

Originally Posted by rhyds

Sounds like my old metros. I'd start by stripping and checking the shoes/mechanisms both sides, before cleaning and greasing everything and then setting the brake adjusters carefully (I borrowed my dad's old mini brake adjusting spanner from 1970-odd...). It might be an idea to dig out a new fitting kit (springs etc) as the old ones might be getting a bit tired by now.

Greetings to a fellow Metro/R100 owner.

I usually strip down the drum assembles each year and do the necessary. I had the garage do it last time just to get the ticket plus I was fed up with it failing on that one item despite everything looking perfect. They put in a new set of shoes but not really convinced.

I can't remember if metros had a brake biasing/compensator system set up

There are rear compensator valves plus the handbrake has a equiliser unit.

but I doubt you'll cause rear brake overkill with the drums.

Yep can't imagine the setup being too ferocious as it is.

[MalteseFalcon]

So swapping a TiVo box for another because every time I change channel it freezes was meant to solve the issue? Bull. Now got to call Virgin tomorrow, and see if I can sort it out once and for all.

[heero_yuy]

Originally Posted by MarkC1984

So swapping a TiVo box for another because every time I change channel it freezes was meant to solve the issue? Bull. Now got to call Virgin tomorrow, and see if I can sort it out once and for all.

You could reprogram it with a large axe.

[weenie]

Bird poo on windows.

[MalteseFalcon]

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

You could reprogram it with a large axe.

Might well do that. Virgin keep saying they cannot see any problem. As I have nothing recording from half ten tonight I might do a reboot see if that helps things.

[dilli-theclaw]

Well - after I sprung another leak last night (and against my better judgement) the boss called the foot clinic this morning. Net result ANOTHER day in hospital and another cast.

[denphone]

l am sorry to hear that you have had to go to hospital again dilli and l do hope things improve for you as soon as possible.

[joglynne]

Originally Posted by dilli-theclaw

Well - after I sprung another leak last night (and against my better judgement) the boss called the foot clinic this morning. Net result ANOTHER day in hospital and another cast.

Please pass on a rep to Natalie from me.

[weenie]

Originally Posted by dilli-theclaw

Well - after I sprung another leak last night (and against my better judgement) the boss called the foot clinic this morning. Net result ANOTHER day in hospital and another cast.

Sorry to hear that dilli.

[SnoopZ]

My moan is i had a viewing of my house expected today but the only person to turn up was the estate agent!

[ThunderPants73]

Travel sickness. What is it with me and automatic cars?

[weenie]

Originally Posted by ThunderPants73

Travel sickness. What is it with me and automatic cars?

Automatic travel sickness by the sound of things