[caprixpack]

Finally got around to fitting the rear brake upgrade, as usual there were issues but nothing major.
So to start off the problem, the new calipers while almost identical in dimensions and having the same piston size and handbrake mechanism doesn't fit. Not really an issue as the carriers cost more on their own than with calipers so they were kind of freebies. So I used the original calipers.
Original 280mm disc next to new 302mm disc.

Not really much of a difference with it being only 22mm

Anyway new disc and carrier fitted and old and new carriers so you can see the difference.

Now the other minor issue, the old calipers need stripping down as one has a torn boot and the other is getting a bit stiff. It has loosened up with being wound in and pushed back out a few times but it's on its way out. Anyway all back together.

 

[caprixpack]

Just a quick one today, I fit the new bonnet and fan washer jets. Please excuse the bird **** on the bumper.

It could do with a nudge of adjusting but It will do for now.

 

[AndyC71]

Fan washer jets?? Does this spray fluid into the engine bay to keep the temperature down??

I forgot how hot the engine becomes, so looking at ways to keep lithe temperature down. Have WRC vents being installed in 2 weeks, but looking at anyway to improve on this.

 

[caprixpack]

Fan washer jets?? Does this spray fluid into the engine bay to keep the temperature down??

I forgot how hot the engine becomes, so looking at ways to keep lithe temperature down. Have WRC vents being installed in 2 weeks, but looking at anyway to improve on this.

No, they're to replace the standard screen washer jets they're from the mk3 focus.

Genuine Ford C-Max Mondeo Mk4 Focus Mk3 Windscreen Washer Nozzle Jet Kit 1708797 | eBay

Centre Consoles & Dashboards. Fuses & Fuse Boxes. Clutch Slave Cylinders. Other Interior Parts & Trim. With Heated Washer Jet. Your nearest Ford Authorised Dealer will be happy to handle all warranty claims.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[AndyC71]

Thank you for the quick response. 😊

 

[NigelStap]

When the mk3 Focus first came out those washer jets were 4 quid each!

 

[caprixpack]

When the mk3 Focus first came out those washer jets were 4 quid each!

I know the un heated version is still relatively cheap at £7.55, i fit some to the puma recently.

 

[teflonbilly]

How is it running with the new actuator?

 

[caprixpack]

How is it running with the new actuator?

So far it's been spot on. Drove to nottingham and back a few weeks ago which was a 450 mile round trip and the car was faultless. Even getting sensible mpg, around 25 -30mpg depending on traffic and right foot. It does hold boost far better now, especially higher up the rev range.

 

[caprixpack]

Carrying on from my post on the general rant topic.
Someone has hit the back of the st, not hard but enough to do some damage.
So, the damage.

Removing the bumper is easy and is held on by 2 bolts in the bumper strengthening and 2 bolts at the top under the boot and a couple of plastic screws. Unfortunately one of the bolts had been ripped out of bumper strengthening.

Thankfully these can be replaced and ford sell them for £25 a side.

From what I can see there's no body damage apart from where it's pulled the bolt out if rhe bumper and caught the lip infront of the wheel.
The crash bad as no damage (apart from the horrendous amount of rust) and the bumper support brackets are still relatively in shape. Although both of these are getting replaced as I'd bought them a few months back with the intention of tidying the rear end up.

While it's all off I'm going to tidy everything up and do some more rust proofing.
Starting with the towing eye.

Wire wheeled, rust treated and painted.

Have spend some more time thinking about it, I'm going to take my time and get a new bumper rather than try to repair the damaged one. So the st will be off the road fir a month or so depending on when I can afford the bumper and paint work.

 

[caprixpack]

Just a small update while I'm waiting for the rain to pass. I've made a small modification to the lower bumper brackets, instead of using the nasty plastic screws I've put some m4 rivnut inserts In. Hopefully it will reduce some of the movement allowed by the plastic screws.

 

[WelshGeoff]

Good to see your still scraping your knuckles improving and updating the ST Steve, good work mate

 

[caprixpack]

New brackets riveted back on.

And the new crash bar.

That's pretty much going to be it for a while now, until I can afford the bumper and paint.

 

[caprixpack]

While I'm waiting to be able to afford the new bumper, I'm having a crack at repairing the old one.

First I stripped the fog lights, side strengthening and lower trim piece.

These are riveted into the bumper and a bit of a sod to get off. With them being plastic rivets don't have anything solid to squeeze onto so they just spin when you try to drill them out.

Washed and scrubbed all the mud and grime from the inside.

Using a plastic welding kit I repaired the crack in the corner. Also I'm going to put some fiberglass over the top just to give it a bit more strength.

And the outside of the crack painted.

It's not a bad repair and will be hidden by the tailgate anyway.

 

[jboy]

While I'm waiting to be able to afford the new bumper, I'm having a crack at repairing the old one.

First I stripped the fog lights, side strengthening and lower trim piece.
View attachment 907901
These are riveted into the bumper and a bit of a sod to get off. With them being plastic rivets don't have anything solid to squeeze onto so they just spin when you try to drill them out.
View attachment 907902
Washed and scrubbed all the mud and grime from the inside.
View attachment 907903
Using a plastic welding kit I repaired the crack in the corner. Also I'm going to put some fiberglass over the top just to give it a bit more strength.
View attachment 907904
And the outside of the crack painted.
View attachment 907905
It's not a bad repair and will be hidden by the tailgate anyway.

Hi Steve , I recently fitted my bumper with the new plastic bumper brackets , I bought copy ones off eBay and they seem fine (£35 for the pair ) you do have to fit the small plastic pieces at the bottom off the original ones though , I also elongated the the hole where the spike goes through to open the bumper gap slightly to help stop the dreaded bumper rub

 

[caprixpack]

Hi Steve , I recently fitted my bumper with the new plastic bumper brackets , I bought copy ones off eBay and they seem fine (£35 for the pair ) you do have to fit the small plastic pieces at the bottom off the original ones though , I also elongated the the hole where the spike goes through to open the bumper gap slightly to help stop the dreaded bumper rub

Ahh you mean these little ********?

Yeah I almost threw them out still attached to the old supports.
The new ones arrived today, so got to it and fit them.

 

[jboy]

Ahh you mean these little ****?
View attachment 907950
Yeah I almost threw them out still attached to the old supports.
The new ones arrived today, so got to it and fit them.
View attachment 907951
View attachment 907952

When I say elongated the hole I meant on the car , after reading my post it it didn’t make a lot of sense 🤣🤣

 

[caprixpack]

I seem to have got a bit carried away and thought while it's in bits I might as well.
I pulled yhe arch liners off and decided to wire wheel everything, rust treat and paint.
Gave it a good pressure washing first.

Rust treated and a couple of coats of hammerite.

While I was at it I noticed the trailing arm bushes were well past it, so removed the arms and pressed the bushes out. The grey line is to line up the tabs on the new bush, once it's in place I'll give the arm a few coats of paint.

 

[teflonbilly]

I seem to have got a bit carried away and thought while it's in bits I might as well.
I pulled yhe arch liners off and decided to wire wheel everything, rust treat and paint.
Gave it a good pressure washing first.
View attachment 908128
Rust treated and a couple of coats of hammerite.
View attachment 908129
While I was at it I noticed the trailing arm bushes were well past it, so removed the arms and pressed the bushes out. The grey line is to line up the tabs on the new bush, once it's in place I'll give the arm a few coats of paint.
View attachment 908130
View attachment 908131

I've got new bushes for mine (been in shed about two years ) but haven't got round to it because I couldn't settle on what tool to use.

Did you use your actual press or a special bush tool?

 

[caprixpack]

I just used my press as I was able to pull the bar out of the bush by hand. I've got a socket just the right size to use to press the new ones in.