R E N O V A T I N G
K A R E N ' S
A B R I G H T
F U T U R E F O R
T H I S P E U G E O T ( II )
Original
PEUGEOT coil spring compressor...
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ONE
DAY,
KAREN's 404 developed clonking noises when turning
the steering wheel from lock to lock. More force was also
needed. No discussion here, as this is a typical 404 suspension
weak spot: The axial needle bearings sandwiched between
lower spring pan and McPherson strut seize solid. Good
timing for a complete front suspension overhaul, as all bushes
had probably a hard life after 35 years of service...
Most parts needed where bought from local 404 guru Jörn
Haarmann, the rest from my usual supplier, the Löwendoctor:
A complete set of suspension bushes including the anti-roll bar
bushes, needle bearings, damper inserts, rubber gaiters and lower
balljoints.
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WORKING
ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION is quite easy if you own a complete
set of original PEUGEOT tools as I do. Everything came
apart without any problems, even compressing the coil springs
isn't a problem with PEUGEOT's strong spring compressor.
Years ago we learned the hard way that cheap tools are not up
to this job...
The suspension bushes were forced out and pressed in with a hydraulic
press, and everything went together without any fuss. Remember
to pour some engine oil into the struts before fitting
the inserts.
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...makes
McPherson strut overhaul much easier. Stephan can tell a story
about unwanted expanding of strong coil springs
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Front
suspension about to be re-installed
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IF
YOU WANT TO KNOW how well a PEUGEOT 404 can handle,
give your car's suspension a complete overhaul! And now, with
like new suspension, I also had to overhaul the brakes,
brake balance valve, the Hydrovac and fit a new exhaust,
from manifold to tail pipe. But
that's another story
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