Rear Axle replacement needed??

1. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

   #1 11th August 2009, 13:11

   Apparently a common problem, tried searching on here, couldnt find anything to match.
   
   Ive just been to get two new rear tyres as they are worn on the insides, and noticed that the wheels are on quite a bad negative camber, pointing in towards the car.
   
   the lads at the tyre place said that the bushes on the rear axle have worn and the whole thing needs replacing, which is going to be very costly to get done at a garage, and alot of work if Im going to do it myself, including taking the petrol tank out.
   
   Anyone else had this problem? How dear are the axles to buy new and what is involved in replacing it? Any help will be massively appreciated, I need to get this sorted by the end of the month as the plan was to sell it in september.
   
   Cheers
2. user_33380 Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2009 Chesterfield Posts: 666 Saxo VTR MkII 2000(W) Posi Blue, VTR MK1 1998(R) P

   #2 11th August 2009, 13:28

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by VTRlaa Apparently a common problem, tried searching on here, couldnt find anything to match. Ive just been to get two new rear tyres as they are worn on the insides, and noticed that the wheels are on quite a bad negative camber, pointing in towards the car. the lads at the tyre place said that the bushes on the rear axle have worn and the whole thing needs replacing, which is going to be very costly to get done at a garage, and alot of work if Im going to do it myself, including taking the petrol tank out. Anyone else had this problem? How dear are the axles to buy new and what is involved in replacing it? Any help will be massively appreciated, I need to get this sorted by the end of the month as the plan was to sell it in september. Cheers

   Hi! mate,
   undo the 2 brake lines, split the exhaust, undo the handbarke cables undo 4 bolt's and it's off. I don't think you have to remove the petrol tank, my mate didn't. Most awkward thing was undo the brake lines as they were seized.
   You could do with a couple of mates to help you with it. Piggy123 on here can help with a new/recon beam. PM him(Sam) for a price mate.
3. user_27897 Infrequent Poster Joined: Oct 2008 Kidderminster Posts: 246 Saxo VTR MK2 (Black) 2.0 20v Fiat Marea Turbo

   #3 11th August 2009, 13:31

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Rez Hi! mate, undo the 2 brake lines, split the exhaust, undo the handbarke cables undo 4 bolt's and it's off. I don't think you have to remove the petrol tank, my mate didn't. Most awkward thing was undo the brake lines as they were seized. You could do with a couple of mates to help you with it. Piggy123 on here can help with a new/recon beam. PM him(Sam) for a price mate.

   Yeah i had the same problem with the brakelines being seized, i ended up switching the calipers if i remember rightly
4. Mochachino Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Nov 2007 Guantanamo Bay Posts: 28700 oyster card

   #4 11th August 2009, 13:38

   A second hand replacement beam is about £80-£100, easy enough to fit.
   
   A refurb will cost about £350.
5. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

   #5 11th August 2009, 14:03

   Thanks guys thats brill - the lads at the garage were ooing an aaring an got me fretting that Id be doing it for 2 weeks.
   
   Starting it tonight, will Pm piggy for a price.
   
   Cheers
6. user_10418 Saxperience Addict Joined: Jun 2006 Wirral Posts: 13584 Wickerd red VTS MK2, Two tone VTS MK2,vvc Metro..

   #6 11th August 2009, 22:38

   second hand replacement beam is about £80-£100, easy to swop over.....
7. fraggle_VTR Regular Poster Joined: Jul 2009 Wales Posts: 448 2002 Saxo VTR, 2000 mango forte

   #7 12th August 2009, 18:56

   just done this to mine today, pretty damn easy,
   no need to remove the tank at all.
   two brake line,
   four bolts, the tops of which you find under the rear seat and in the boot with little plastic cap things over them.
   only problem is the one i have put one seems seized and i'm bouncing off every bump in the road,
   anyone know if it will free itself or anything?
8. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

   #8 13th August 2009, 19:33

   Na im still stuck on the b4rake lines! is it the two unions going into the small box above the axle on the left side? They are complete cunts to get off! so badly rusted - Right now Im considering snipping the lines, then re-plumbing them with new lines and unions after!!
9. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

   #9 17th August 2009, 13:02

   Rear axle is off, and the bearing on one side shot, but can't find a replacement anywhere.
   
   Can someone tell me where I might be able to get one from? ebay just has reconditioned ones for £350+
10. fraggle_VTR Regular Poster Joined: Jul 2009 Wales Posts: 448 2002 Saxo VTR, 2000 mango forte

    #10 17th August 2009, 13:33

    do you know the gardden industrial estate,
    it's in either minera or ruabon, by you in wrexham can't remember.
    couple of car breakers on there HK williams did me one for £100.
    a month or so back.
11. KrisB Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2009 Dorking,Surrey,M25 J9 Posts: 2616 Static -80mm Peugeot 405

    #11 17th August 2009, 17:31

    I can get you a rebuild kit for circa £80, 80 to fit it all too.
12. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

    #12 18th August 2009, 11:31

    Ah no worries thanks mate but ive gone an got a replacement for £140 from a guy called Gareth in Powys, he does alot with saxo's apparntley.
13. nikky L-plater Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 34

    #13 19th August 2009, 00:56

    i need a new one soon
    is that £140 for a refurb one??
    im in wrexham too
14. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

    #14 20th August 2009, 20:36

    No not refurbed thats second hand one from an old model VTS.
    Got it from Ebay, bloke down in a place called montgomery in powys - he breaks saxos and pugs all the time - you want the number?
    
    Came with brand new discs and pads though.
    
    Having a pissing nightmare with the brake lines.
    
    The new axle is fitted, already ahd to re-plumb the two main brake lines from the front. Went to bleed the brakes yesterday, and the nipples on both sides just snapped off.
    
    Managed to get the nipples off my old calipers, so then went to swap them to this new axle, and had to cut the lines going into the new calipers from the new axle, because the unions just rounded themselves off.
    
    It doesnt stop there! - so then I had my old calipers which the unions and nipples had come out of fine, and thought to put the nice new pads from the new calipers into that, but I cant even do that now because the caliper pistons on the old calipers are friggin seized!! The whole jobs been a pissin nightmare solely because of the brake calipers and lines!!!
    
    Everything else was easy.
15. chris84 Established Member Joined: Jul 2009 durham Posts: 1218 02 black vts with nitrous!!

    #15 21st August 2009, 13:40

    always the same, a nice easy job turns into a nightmare because of something stupid!! somethings rusted or seized or just snaps off, french shite!!! lol
16. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

    #16 21st August 2009, 15:23

    I think citroen see their cars leaving the factory and dont care if someone needs to repair them in the future. even the heatshielding over the fuel tank, the little plastic lugs just break when you pull em out, so they cant be used again.
17. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

    #17 23rd August 2009, 20:15

    Finishe the Job saturday morning, and too be honest, my car feels worse than it did before. The wheels look straight now, but it feels very stiff at the back and Im sure theres a clunking noise coming from back there - not that notcieable but its there.
    
    Please someone tell me that axles not fooked and Its just the dampers??
18. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

    #18 24th August 2009, 09:00

    Can I have some help on this please, it feels like the torsion bar is way too stiff at the back - doesnt seem to move up or down making for bumpy ride.
    
    Can the problem be sorted without taking it off the car or do I need to swap it again with a refurbished one this time?
19. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

    #19 24th August 2009, 18:03

    
    
    Anyone? with similar problem?
20. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

    #20 24th August 2009, 22:29

    Im still having problems, replaced shocks with old ones now, and its still the same. Im convinced its the second hand axle Ive bought its stiff as priest in an orphanage, and makes creaking and groaning noises when I jack the wheel up.
    
    Ive decided Im going to throw more money at this and splash out on a proper reconditioned unit now, so one last query on this, can someone direct me to someone who sells them and can be trusted? Ive got to get this sorted now I cant get another dud.
    
    Thanks for any help anyone can offer
21. pidatious Newbie Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 2

    #21 1st September 2009, 20:35

    VTRlaa ive just brought my vts back from m.o.t shop oh man the rear bushes have gone.am wonder to either do it myself or let some garage rip me off.im pretty good on cars but this being french is it too much of a big job
22. pidatious Newbie Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 2

    #22 1st September 2009, 20:38

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Rez Hi! mate, undo the 2 brake lines, split the exhaust, undo the handbarke cables undo 4 bolt's and it's off. I don't think you have to remove the petrol tank, my mate didn't. Most awkward thing was undo the brake lines as they were seized. You could do with a couple of mates to help you with it. Piggy123 on here can help with a new/recon beam. PM him(Sam) for a price mate.

    rev how hard is it to do the job, am pretty good at mechanics and wondering shall i tackle it myself or let a garage rip me off
23. jpsaxo Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Oct 2005 Sydney Posts: 8525 Mango Westcoast

    #23 2nd September 2009, 03:23

    9times out of 10 its the stubb pins that have worn (not the bushes etc etc), just replacing the bearings will not cure this problem. So get a "proper" refurb you need to get the stubb pins replaced, which citroen dont supply - they will sell you a new beam (yellow part with pins in) for 450+ VAT + Bearings and seals which are 80quid.
    
    We (me and piggy123) provide a FULL beam, WITH bearings & seals at 350quid. Drop Sam (piggy123) a PM.
24. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

    #24 2nd September 2009, 21:49

    Mines sorted now - turns out the car my replacement axle came off had been standing for some time, and just needed a bit of wearing in.
    
    As said above, the biggest job for me was the brake lines having to be re-plumbed, otherwise it was easy really! once youve got the exhaust, brake lines and handbrakje cables (or could just take the calipers off), the whole unit unbolts from 4 points, 2 under the boot carpet, and 2 under the rear seats and drops down.
    
    Even though I got lucky with my replacement, I think it may be alot better to go for a refurb one and spend the extra cash. paying £140 for a dud axle is not what you want to be doing!
25. wazz Frequent Poster Joined: Aug 2009 Merthyr Tydfil Posts: 545 mk2 furio

    #25 2nd September 2009, 22:51

    i got same problem with mine but it can wait! i put VTS wheels on my car last week as the old wheels were a bit small and as i drove off the one wheel on the back was rubbing then i looked closer an noticed my axle looks bent or isi jus bushes or sumthing because its only on the one side??
26. KrisB Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2009 Dorking,Surrey,M25 J9 Posts: 2616 Static -80mm Peugeot 405

    #26 2nd September 2009, 22:55

    Your wheel is leaning?
27. user_7096 Established Member Joined: Sep 2005 Market Bosworth Posts: 2482 106 XSi 1360cc

    #27 2nd September 2009, 22:59

    sent you a PM sorry for late reply!
    
28. wazz Frequent Poster Joined: Aug 2009 Merthyr Tydfil Posts: 545 mk2 furio

    #28 2nd September 2009, 23:18

    yea on the one side thats all
29. VTRlaa Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2008 Wrexham Posts: 158 1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1.3, 2003 Saxo VTR

    #29 11th October 2009, 22:16

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by VTRlaa Mines sorted now - turns out the car my replacement axle came off had been standing for some time, and just needed a bit of wearing in. As said above, the biggest job for me was the brake lines having to be re-plumbed, otherwise it was easy really! once youve got the exhaust, brake lines and handbrakje cables (or could just take the calipers off), the whole unit unbolts from 4 points, 2 under the boot carpet, and 2 under the rear seats and drops down. Even though I got lucky with my replacement, I think it may be alot better to go for a refurb one and spend the extra cash. paying £140 for a dud axle is not what you want to be doing!

    
    SCRATCH THAT! i did not get lucky with a replacement - its made the car fail an MOT.
    
    I cant seem to get back to the mysterious "gareth" bloke from powys now either if someone has contact details can they forward them to me? failing that I will just turn up down there and get my money back one way or the other
30. jpsaxo Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Oct 2005 Sydney Posts: 8525 Mango Westcoast

    #30 13th October 2009, 13:06

    Both your beams are nackard, as i said above lads.