Intermittent Rising?

[97exclusive]

My '97 2.0 turbo has started taking ages to rise when ive had it on the lower setting, sometimes not rising at all, it takes about 45 secs to a min for it to react to a change in the lever!! Also, the rear suspension seems hard and bucks and bounces over bumps almost as it the shockers were knackered, could this be a sign of the spheres gone? how much are new spheres?

Cheers boys

Steve

[noz]

Hi Steve,

Don't condemn your spheres just yet. Most of the symptoms you describe can be related to the system of levers which connect the anti-roll bars to the height correctors. They are exposed to the elements and do rust. Whilst on the way to becoming seized they do get 'sticky'. Get under the car (only on ramps though) and have someone exercise the height control lever several times. You will see the long pushrod emanating from somewhere just below the lever position in the cab. Follow the pushrod to each end of the car in turn. Identify the system of levers connecting the pushrod to the height corrector. Also identify the levers connecting the anti-roll bar to the same height corrector (some of the levers are common to both). Identify all of the pivot points. Use something like WD40 or Plusgas initially to get the mechanism freed off and then grease liberally to prevent recurrence.

As you play with the height corrector the body of the car will rise and fall, sometimes rapidly. Make sure you have sufficient space under the ramps so that you don't get crushed when the car falls to its lowest level.

Once you've eliminated the easy (cheap to rectify) steps we can then go on to condemn your spheres.

Please let us know how you get on.

Cheers

noz

[97exclusive]

Thanks very much noz, ill give it a go!

How much are spheres (roughly) anyway?

[Peter.N.]

About £20.00 each from GSF. On the end of the rear rod from the height adjuster there is a small metal clamp with a square hole in it that moves the height valve linkage, these can fall off! Also check the hydraulic pump belt tension, if it slips it will cause slow rise time.

Peter.N.

[97exclusive]

Cheers Peter, ill have a look!