Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Suspension related stuff goes in here.
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vandor
Posts: 3996
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
Location: Texas, USA

Re: Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Post by vandor »

> I did have to modify my spring compressor so that it would come out after I installed the spring.

You can install the lowering springs without a spring compressor if you move the lower a-arm down to an almost vertical position.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
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70spider
Posts: 676
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:05 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Fiat spider
Location: N.E. New Mexico

Re: Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Post by 70spider »

You can install the lowering springs without a spring compressor if you move the lower a-arm down to an almost vertical position.
I tried that, but when I rotated the lower a-arm up the spring was not exactly seating. I could have done it that way if I had another person to help. I was solo, so instead of struggling with holding the spring, the lower a-arm, and getting the jack in place I just decided to use the spring compressor tool. It went extremely easy once I figured out what to do.
I should have the front finished once the race driver gets here, next is the rear I hope the bushings will fit the trailing arms, fingers crossed.
Thanks everyone.
1970 Fiat Spider 124 Sport aka "Pesto"
2002 Mazda Protege5
2013 Buddy 170i
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70spider
Posts: 676
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:05 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Fiat spider
Location: N.E. New Mexico

Re: Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Post by 70spider »

Hello again. The weather was nice so I got a little anxiuos and put the center link and tie rods on, just one problem. The driver side center link ball joint does not want to torque down, the joint spins with the nut. Any suggestions on how to solve this? I don't want to use the impact wrench seeing that the torque specs is only 25lbs.
Thanks Pesto
1970 Fiat Spider 124 Sport aka "Pesto"
2002 Mazda Protege5
2013 Buddy 170i
vandor
Posts: 3996
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
Location: Texas, USA

Re: Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Post by vandor »

Push up on the center link to create friction between the steering arm and the stud.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
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70spider
Posts: 676
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:05 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Fiat spider
Location: N.E. New Mexico

Re: Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Post by 70spider »

Push up on the center link to create friction between the steering arm and the stud.
Thanks, I crawled under the car and pushed up while the wife torqued it down, worked like a charm :D .
1970 Fiat Spider 124 Sport aka "Pesto"
2002 Mazda Protege5
2013 Buddy 170i
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81SPIDERMATT
Posts: 1239
Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2010 5:10 pm
Your car is a: 1981 spider 2000
Location: FORT COLLINS, CO

Re: Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Post by 81SPIDERMATT »

quite fun following along and remembering back when I did mine ... when it is all said and done you will be able to complete all that you have done so much faster and without all the wondering .... keep at it ... probably one of the most gratifying things once completed
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70spider
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Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:05 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Fiat spider
Location: N.E. New Mexico

Re: Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Post by 70spider »

when it is all said and done you will be able to complete all that you have done so much faster and without all the wondering
Yea it is taking longer than I expected, with the 2 weeks of rain, having to wait for tools, and getting new bolts. I hope the rear goes easier.
I can't wait to get him back on the road, it was 72*F and I was dying. Well the bearing race driver tool should be here Friday so I should get the front finished on Saturday, fingers crossed. When I get him back on the ground I'll fire him up 8) before moving on to the rear.
Also a quick question; how much grease I should pack in the hub? When I disassembled it it was packed to the brim, however when I watched some videos they seem to pack the bearings really well but don't add extra grease inside the hub.
Thanks everyone. Pesto
1970 Fiat Spider 124 Sport aka "Pesto"
2002 Mazda Protege5
2013 Buddy 170i
User avatar
70spider
Posts: 676
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:05 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Fiat spider
Location: N.E. New Mexico

Re: Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Post by 70spider »

Update. I got the bearing race driver tool set and began to set the races. I did the outer first and everthing went amazingly well. Next I moved on to the inner races. I noticed that within the set there wasn't a driver that fit well either it was to small or to large. So I took the larger one and reduced it using a file and dremel, 400grit, 1000grit, qnd 2000grit sandpaper. I managed to get it to fit inside the hub, this would allow the driver to fully set the race. The race was a little snug on the cone portion of the driver but it seemed ok, NOT!!!! :shock: . I noticed marring were the race was making contact with the cone of the driver. I tried to clean it up but no luck. So I did some more modifing of the driver, I cut the cone off of it, now it wont make contact with the inside of the race.
So in short my stupidity cost me some more cash, I just ordered 2 new bearings from AR, I think Csaba will scratch his head and say he just bought these why does he need 2 more? :oops:
1970 Fiat Spider 124 Sport aka "Pesto"
2002 Mazda Protege5
2013 Buddy 170i
User avatar
70spider
Posts: 676
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:05 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Fiat spider
Location: N.E. New Mexico

Re: Time to rebuild the suspension :~(

Post by 70spider »

PROGRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got everything on the front put together and it is almost done. I just have to wait for the wife to get home so she can sit it the driver seat +25lbs and my son will sit in the passenger side + 20lbs and then I can torque up the a-arms.
Now I can finally get to the rear.
Thanks for help, Pesto
1970 Fiat Spider 124 Sport aka "Pesto"
2002 Mazda Protege5
2013 Buddy 170i
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