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Finally stirred my stumps and went to replace the front bump stops and tatty gaiters today. Actually it was put in bump stops as I found there was nothing left of the crumbly ones.

Having stripped, rebuilt and replaced the O/S I removed the N/S strut. Had a problem getting enough of the strut to come out to get the nut on with the cone etc but managed it with the aid of an impact gun. On replacing the strut I found it was not firm and rattled on the insert. Removed again and the insert is obviously shot. This is the time I wish I had never started it! Now I have to do it all again.

Looking on the 'bay there seems to be two offerings of KYB, Premium (cheap, oil) and Excel G (more expensive with gas). I only do a low mileage cruising each year, no racing etc, so what would be recommended? Are the cheaper ones OK? Do all come with new retaining 'nuts' as I can see problems getting mine out.

The Robsport site notes that all are incorrectly made and need to be fitted with bearing strut mounts (which I have anyway), but what is 'incorrect' and does it apply to all makes (no idea what the standard Robsport ones are).

I did find that my top bearings (ball type from S&S some years ago) had solid grease and hardly turned by hand. Washed them out and repacked with MS grease, hoping it will ease the steering.

Alan
Saab 9000 Stg 1 (now passed to son for his family car)
Saab 9000 2.3 FPT Auto (now gone that others might live)
Saab 9000 2.3 LPT Auto (sold on, wish I had it back)
Saab 9-5 2.3 Vector Auto Estate
'81 TR7 DHC

Alan - You need to get it fixed by Saturday - Breakfast at Orchard View Classics! Tell Oli!

Maxwell [;)]


2.0 TR7 FHC \ Current
1.8 Mazda MX5 \ Current

Personally I'd go for the gas dampers every time and if possible ones that are adjustable. That enables you to dial in the setting that suits you best. It's all a compromise but at least it'll be yours.

KYB are highly rated by guys on the Mini Forum.

Adam







TR7 V8 DHC Jaguar Solent Blue. 9.35cr Range Rover V8, Holley 390cfm, JWR Dual Port, 214 Cam, Lumention, Tubular Manifolds, S/S Single Pipe Exh, 3.08 Rear, 200lb Spax & PolyBushes all round, Anti- Dive, Strut-Top Roller Bearings, Capri Vented Discs & Calipers, Braided Hoses, 4 Speed Rear Cylinders, Uprated Master Cylinder & Servo, AT 14" 5 Spokes or Maestro Turbo 15" Alloys, Cruise Lights, S/S Heater Pipes, Replacement Fuel Tank. No Door Stickers. Mine since July 1986, V8 from 1991 courtesy of S&S V8 conversion and big brake kits.

I have the KYBs on front and back and feel like they are too stiff for my liking. Getting rid of them is on my "to do eventually" list.


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1980 Pageant Blue DHC with removable hardtop.

Happy with the KYB's but get the gas ones. Adjustables are too expensive unless you have lots of money and are racing them, but then if you do you'd be driving a Jaguar F type and not a TR.[:p]



- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

Don't think the 7 will be on the road Andrew. Should have done this weeks ago but family problems delayed it, now I will have a problem getting it ready for 1st May! Will tell Oli but he has the Viva still in bits, Mini in his workshop in bits, a Puma with terminal corrosion and somebody did a hit and run on the 9000 the other day.

Re the inserts, is there any big difference in hardness between the Premium and gas filled (certainly cannot afford adjustables)? Do all come with a new retaining nut?

Alan
Saab 9000 Stg 1 (now passed to son for his family car)
Saab 9000 2.3 FPT Auto (now gone that others might live)
Saab 9000 2.3 LPT Auto (sold on, wish I had it back)
Saab 9-5 2.3 Vector Auto Estate
'81 TR7 DHC