eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Mar 27, 2024 11:50:23 GMT
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Well done Alex ! Squealy belts may just need adjustment as damp weather can cause them to 'slip' on the pulleys causing the squeal.. 'rough' running - Have you cleaned / replaced the EGR valve ? Thanks, I enjoyed this job even through the rain! I didn't think these multiple v-channeled belts squealed? The have sprung tensioners to boot right? But the sound is of from the oldfasioned belt squeal I remeber, it's more metallic in nature. Hence my thought of some bearing or other. That side of the engine sees some water running down the area too. When I get the time I'll investigate further. Granada fuel pump first this weekend. No I havent done anything with the egr. Would it be logical for this to only be an issue when cold? As when warm, especially since the diesel cleaner, it's really smoooooth. Which is why it still bothers me when cold as I remember it being smooth when cold when the van was newer to us, say through the first few winters.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Mar 26, 2024 11:40:11 GMT
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I was looking at your thread earlier and noticed bits where going back on the car, and I was like " hang on a minute....I've clearly missed something major " So I went back...... Wow!....what difference, it looks great! You must be over the moon with the result. I'm currently in the same boat as you....I can't decide on what stripes I want on the truck. I need something to break up the expanse of bright white....I just can't work out what that is yet? Keep up the excellent work.....the finish line is in sight. Dan. Thanks for the kind words Dan. The stripe things is a pain as once it’s painted, I’m stuck with it. There are no funds for a repaint. Although it is a pain, it’s better than looking at all the rust and deciding where to start cutting. Well, there's quite a simple solution to this... printed vinyl stripes/decals... of your own design or existing. I wasn't sure if I would like what I was doing/had designed on my Granada striping wise either so I just opted to go removable. Never felt the inclination to remove though as I love it! And I have to say it wasn't even very expensive!
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Mar 26, 2024 11:21:06 GMT
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I'm gone for a week and look at how much progress I have missed!
As per usual, well done!
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Mar 25, 2024 13:11:41 GMT
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Back from a short week of vacation with the wife, no work, no kids!! As a treat to myself and my wife, I promised us some vacation time after my biggest project to date for my current employer went live and transitioned to aftercare... Those were hectic and stressful times so some relaxation was in order. We don't usually do these type of things so it had to be something special. For me relaxing was key, for my wife I wanted to offer her an experience that would benefit her health/rheumatism. So we decided on a luxury villa with sauna, jacuzzi, bath, sun shower and room for 6, even though we would be just the two of us. That tied in with my need for relaxation: leaving our slightly autistic and time challenged dog at home as she wakes me up seven days a week between 5:30 and 6:15... Not a problem om working days, but not nice seven days a week. But the dog not coming meant we had to secure care for her, which was easily solved by leaving that to the kids. They're of ages now that they can be left alone and with responsibilities like caring for the dog. That had the benefit of being able to book out of season and pay a lot less for a change! So let me just say we enjoyed our stay in the lovely villa making the most of all it’s offerings. We both could just relax and rest up some. News from home was encouraging, with me gone the time challenged dog was apparently more willing to change it’s schedule! This by the way proved to last only until the second I was home again! Anyway, before we went away I had just updated you guys that I had bought a stash of parts. And that I’d spiked the tank with extreme diesel cleaner stuff to see if that would help the rough running without codes in the system. I’d also managed to replace the support from gearbox to engine. The pics were however lacking so I’ll add them below. I’d confirmed that this had done away with a lot of the noise that we heard but it wasn’t fully gone. So I felt justified in ordering the drive shafts complete as well. With the vacation over, and let’s just say not without some fears for getting stranded as we traveled the 200km one way (twice obviously) and at least another 120 exploring the surroundings, as the car was making more and more noise when under power. Roundabouts were more and more becoming a challenge as the CV’s (or at least one) were clunking their way round them. Left turns especially. So when we made it home safely on Friday afternoon, we were a little relieved. I wasn’t too worried as the Transit is built pretty solidly but when something is worn it has to go out at some point. Anyway this prompted me to plan the replacement of those drive shafts a.s.a.p. Friday however was over half gone, wet from rain and well, I just wasn’t in the mood yet to go back to “normal” after the week of peace and quiet. So Saturday it had to be. It was supposedly dry in the early morning with rain coming in mid morning. I wouldn’t be getting a better chance for a week… Saturday morning came and I moved the Granada outside and the daily back on the drive. This for easy access to tools without having to crawl besides the Granada 200 times as you discover you need yet another tool you’d not already grabbed. The Granada would have to sacrifice being dry for a bit… Although having only been waxed/polished once in the 8 or so years that the paintjob is old, the water still pools lovely... Although current day polishes would rather expell the water from it. Work started with undoing the wheel nuts a little, then jacking up the car on the passenger side (non UK car) front and back to get the car in a position that would drain most of the gearbox oil. So undoing the filler nut and then the sump nut were next after that. With my small 2 or 3 ton jacks jacking up the Transit is always a bit of a challenge and I guess I didn’t get it angled enough as when the sump plug came out, the spray was so violent but angled toward a bit of subframe still. Thankfully the container was large enough, but I now had some cleaning to do on the subframe. I also had to do some cleaning on myself as this bolt came undone with a click and from then no further friction at all, like regular bolts, so this literally skinned my knuckle from the unexpected movement. For reference on how much oil to put back in, I measured exactly what had come out. With the oil out and the plugs back in, one temporary for safe keeping and preventing dirt to ingress, I jacked up the driver’s side in the front and removed the wheel. This axle replacement is not rocket science, but still as a vital component and the possibility of damage if not replaced correctly I was very much on my toes. Checking every step. With the wheel off it was time for three main nuts: the steering arm nut, the ball joint nut and the axle hub nut. They all came of easily. The hub nut is a bit of a chore and requires my breaker bar to undo and a jack handle to keep the hub from turning while doing so. Nothing very difficult. Then the dreaded ball joints need releasing. The steering joint let go easily enough with a good tap of a heavy hammer, but the lower ball joint needs a fork to get it to split. Unfortunately this also almost always destroys the dust boot. Off it came, and as predicted the dust boot didn’t survive. Then I use my breaker bar again to wedge it in a hole in the suspension arm and lever that far enough down to get the ball joint to release. A few blows with my biggest hammer knocked the shaft loose enough to be able to manually slide it out while levering the strut out a bit. Final action, pull the drive shaft from the box. I had expected to need a lever, but as the axles were to be fully replaced a gentle but firm tug simply dislodged it. It was out! Time to address that ball joint boot. I had bought new joints as in theory they are easily enough to change. Just a circlip and either some pulling or hammering if need be accompanied with heat. I’d seen some videos on this. Unfortunately this simple process proved most difficult so far. The joint wouldn’t budge. I didn’t have suitable materials to construct a puller and with the mess that the previous replacement boots that were just not 100% perfect had left I wasn’t in the mood for fighting with heat. The ball joints themselves were fine it was just the boots anyway so I left them in. I just replaced the boot(s). Last time I had a hard time doing this as the springy metal thingy always deforms to much to reuse upon removal. But again, some video’s showing a tie wrap hack had made it seem easy. I had no choice, this now had to be my way forward, so I tried that by taking the boot of my new joint and low and behold it worked a dream! Now that ball joint was obviously off the car and I had all around access. The one on the car is hindered in access. Still I managed to do it using the little access I had by turning the whole boot and not just trying to run the tie wrap around. Just section by section I had it done in a matter of minutes. Well pleased with that as no more mess! So, new axle in time! A bit of prying and a push and it seemed to be in nicely. Hm, there’s still a bit of shaft exposed… It needs to go in further… Probably hanging on that ring in the groove. A further bit of aligning and pushing and suddenly it just clicked, slid right in. A bit of maneuvering to get the other end in the hub again and then it was just the reversal of the process. However somewhere in tightening it all up I noticed a bit of a bind. I undid the axle nut again, removed and reseated the axle stub in the hub and all was well again. I must have inadvertently moved things about a bit. Anyway with a confidence inspiring turn of the hub things were put back together. Put the wheel back on and removed the jack on this side. Quickly on with the passenger side as by now I was about three hours in working on my drive with manual tools and had been showered by light drizzle, heavy rain and even small hail stones. I was wettish from sitting/laying on the ground for all this and I wanted it done. Obviously the other side went quicker. The experience of the first side helped me be even more aware of things being right and even though this side had the longer drive shaft with the support bearing, it went relatively easy. Everything came undone. Ball joint popped easily enough. The axle came out with a firm pull and was equally easily seated with just a bit of effort and the support bearing confirmed the right orientation to boot. Speaking of boots, the second one also was easily replaced in minutes, another win! Also everything seemed to move as expected no noises, no heavy spots etc. Confident enough to bolt it all back up. And both done! Added the oil again, two liters had come out so were replaced. That seems to suggest 200ml of the old stuff still being in there, but as I replaced with the exact same spec that I was pointed to and was able to verify I have no fear regarding that. Adding the oil with liter bottles proved doable but fiddly. Coolant/aircon lines in the way but with a gentle maneuvering, not a drop was spilled and less then 10ml was left in each container. Time to get the stands out and bring the car on its wheels again. Torquing the wheel nuts, test drive and cleanup. A little over 4 hours work excluding lunch/rain break. And the result? Well I wasn’t surprised to find the noise is now gone. All’s quiet on the (Western) front. No new noises either, just a decent rewarding repair I guess. The surprise for me was that I could have sworn the noise came from the left. My wife however said she felt it in her feet while I didn’t on my side. Thinking about it after pulling the axle and seeing how floppy the CV is on the one from her/passenger side of the car it’s obvious she was right. There was so much play in that joint you can easily make it click and clunk. It’s not completely strange though as this side was first to rip a boot and was driven like that for a couple of hundred kilometers as we were to retrieve our horse the day I noticed the damage. I made a patch back then keeping some lube in, but obviously I expected wear. That is why I’m not so flustered about having to buy these bits. What did come as a surprise though was the bad shape and cracking that was already forming on a year old new CV boot. Not the quality you’d expect from an item like that. This would have been through within another year. The other one bought 5 weeks later from the same shop was fine, not a sign of wear?! Am I done now? No I don’t think so. The cold starting rough running has improved and when warm it is now super smooth. But that also indicates that the smoothness when cold/wet should be better. And there’s a high pitched squealy noise still in the engine. This seems to come and go a bit, possibly weather dependent as well and the only way to investigate this is taking off the aux drive belts and see if the noise is then gone. I suspect a bearing, just on which component? Oh and I still haven’t investigated the seat (heater and electrical adjustment not working). But, focus should now be on the Granada fuel pump. I’d like to replace that before my 400km day come Easter.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Mar 17, 2024 14:20:09 GMT
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Right then, this is the part where I am humbly going to admit being (partially) wrong in doubting some of the suggestions made on this forum with regards to the daily transit van. So what does this mean? Well, I ordered a bunch of stuff for the van. Among others, drive shafts, the gearbox to subframe support, gearbox oil (thanks kevins for pointing me to the right stuff), extreme diesel cleaner, basically everything to cover the basics and beyond. After an issue with the order being delayed I didn't have time to effect all repairs I thought would be necessary as we're taking the van on a little 5 day vacation next week. Just the wife an I. SO I did what I could in the time frame. Adding the diesel cleaner could not have come at a better time as the tank was just at the right level as far as mixture was recommended. Strangely enough After a few short stints I felt the car although warm was smoother than it had been in a long while. Cold though, there's still a noticable difference with warm, but it doesn't seem to feel as brutal anymore. Next week is a 500km week so further improvements may come. Anyway it didn't seem a waste of money yet. So thanks kevins for the suggestion. It does put some doubt in mind about the garage also having added this during the last big service. I'd like to believe so. Yet this type of improvement wasn't noticed back then. Mechanically I figured how hard can it be to change the gearbox support with it's two bolts? Well turns out not very hard just a bit fiddly! It all came undone easily enough though the bolts were quite tight al the way till coming off. Even with the engine/gearbox supported. No amount of jacking or lowering made a difference. Anyway it came off and it didn't look too bad. It wasn't new and some tearing appears to be present, just lightly. The bolt holding it in the subframe seems to have suffered from dissimilar metal corrosion. The mid section that is in the support block was thinned. I'd like to use a new bolt but as I din't have one, I reused it for now. Getting the other end back in was more difficult. The supports were identical in shape, but once out it just seemd to end up in the wrong place. The bolt could not go through. Some more jacking improved it a little, I used a sacrificial piece of bar to improve things enough to be able to tap the original bolt back in. Did it up and job done. Later that afternoon on the first drive it was obvious that changing the support.......made a huge diference!! Again I owe Kevins and the ones that seconded his sugestion my thanks. I woud not have figured hwo this support would have an effect on the noise but I now think that its sagging somewhat transferred any noises to the subframe enhancing them. And that is where I will also say that I think I too was right in thinking this noise could not be from just the support/ As after changing it has subsided a lot, yet is still there. Less obvious, and more so on cornering. So I still think that the CV being worn after driving it with a broken boot is part of the reason for the noise. So I'm going to bite the bullit and replace both axles after we get back. They are 11 years old almost and though two boots are new, the inner ones aren't and look past their best also. Officially you replace the full axles although cv only kits are available. Much cheaper but also a lot more work in getting the old cv off. So I opted, also given the statement about the inner boots, to replace them complete. That should take care of the mechanicals which leaves me to tracing the seat issue. A new set of rear tires and side door hinges (they get rattly in this model) in a month or so and it should be good to go for quite a while! I also did some work on the granada. I jacked each corner up and checked for all kinds of play. Checked all bolts etc. All was fine. That is comforting. In checking it all I may have fixed the rear noise. At least it wasn't present after a drive where I would normally expect to hear it. That would be a great bonus. Too early to tell for sure though. I also have a new fuel pump. Just lacking two copper washers for the banjo fitting otherwise it would have been fitted already. I hope the easter drive will be trouble free!
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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108mm is mk4 Golf platform size. Maybe mk5 as well. I've got a duff mk5 driveshaft sitting at the side of the house. If it's the right size you can have it. Thanks for the kind offer. As per my response to the previous post... The 108mm size is only one of the specs that need to be the same. Spline count, thicknes, bolt size (which is also bigger on these cv joints than on other granada models with the 100mm joints)... I'll try later to find/check dimensions on my car but the parts sites don't show any of those details except sometimes spline count.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Hmm, seems a bit of a price jump for the 108mm CV joints Is it possible to see what EuroCarParts or maybe even Motomobil list? (And depending on the spline count on the end of the half shafts/axles, a lot of TVR models used 108mm as well as Sierra Cosworth) Finding 108mm cv joints isn't the problem. On almost any parts site. Knowing for sure they are the right thickness and have the bigger bolt holes and the right number of splines is the problem. Research suggest 28 versus 25 splines, but I don't currently know the number of splines on the Granada shaft. Will have to dig through old pics and see if I can count them. I can find plenty of joints but those dimensions/specifics are rarely/never given so one can't be sure. The 210 euro one was motomobil! But that is the only one I know for sure has the right dimensions. But I'm never ever paying that for a cv joint. Never mind 4 of them, and as a precaution to boot...nope! Some say Sierra cosworth and Granada mkI 3.0 also have the 108mm cv joints but if that were true why would motomobil as a granada expert make/stock one 4 times as expensive as the ones found for a sierra. So unless someone can confirm what to get I'm still unsure. I'll see if I can find the partnr in my documentation that might help narrow the search.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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I just always love the look of fresh new panels fitting nicely like this. Lovely work!
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Thanks for the thread (and life) update eurogranada Its good you've made some progress, even if you've had a couple of curve balls as well Thanks! Curve balls are par for the course in our life. And I guess most peoples lives for that matter. We're nothing special in that regard. We may have a little more on our plate than the average family but ones own troubles are always the worst... aren't they?! It's just that this kid has been through enough already and now carries a life sentence the influence of which is yet to fully reveal itself. Yes, mojo is returning so some progress will be made. I'm really having trouble finding the right cv joints for the back as my Granada has the 108mm bigger ones with bigger bolts versus the 100mm ones that most cars came with. I've found one source but at 210 euro's a joint this is just rediculous as a normal jount is in the 50 euro region. I'm going to put out another line tonight with a normally pretty good vendor as well. But I figured if I'm going to have to take all that apart to change a bearing I might as well bite the bullet and do the joints, just making sure that they are trouble free for years to come. I'm now running into the issue that I am slowly having more mojo to do things than time to do it. I hope the sun will also continue to shine more often as that is a major booster for me. But we'll see what can be done. If I cant find the joints yet I'll just change the bearing and do the joints when I swap diffs. I really would like to put my original 3.62 diff back under the car and I have the parts to build it, juts not the confidence and some measuring devices that the manual shows. But this is not a high prio item. I'm also ordering some parts for the Transit. Worst case I'm replacing a little more than stricktly needed, but I can only think that these parts are almost 11 years old anyway so can't be a bad thing really.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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So I sort of had set myself a mission this week now hadn't I? Best make good on that then! As I entered the car, myself and a friend in the easter tour (April 1st) of one of the biggest ford clubs of the country, I best make sure it is top notch by then. So the week went by and nothing much happened. I regret to have to say that my mojo took a big hit after a visit to the doctor's with my daughter. It turns out that having cheated death at birth as a premature baby, having cheated death by surviving cancer when she was 3, she was now rewarded with a diagnosis of rheumatism. She turns 20 this weekend... With my wife having rheumatism also we know what this can mean. And I know my daughter herself had that in her head as well for a bit. It's good to finally have a diagnosis, but it also s**** big time that she'll have to live with this for the rest of her life. It's already impacting her carreer so we'll have to see how we can get her help and an income etc. The weather was not so great for most of the week, reflecting my mood. Then came saturday and the weather turned and we even got some sunshine. This finally got me going again. I couldn't justify couch slouching with the sun out as it was. Now the daily was so dirty again I felt I needed to wash that first, than the dusty Granada and then see if I could do the fuel pump swap... And basically so I did. Washed the Transit. Washed the Granada (such a difference in the amount of time this one takes compared to the transit). I then had to take wife and daughter to our horsey but decided not to stay but return and see if I could get that pump replaced. I was clever enough to wash the cars off the driveway so when time permitted it would not be soaking wet for me to lie in. Pump replacement should be an easy job which I've done a couple of times before. I had the old one out in record time. The new one however is not the same and I had trouble getting the hose on the bigger outlet. Eventually I succeeded. So I put the small hose on the other end and mounted the pump. Only to find I couldn't get the wires connected. They are of a different type so I had to joing my wiring to those of the spare pump. But, they are so short I couldn't really reach. When I finally had one on I still couldn't get the other in place. Decided to take the pump off again and connect the wires before putting it back. All done! Started the car and it wouldn't start. Even after a while of trying. Only possible conclusion: wires the wrong way round. Pump off again, wires swapped. Retry and the car started after one or two initial priming pumps of the fuel pump. Pump back on and job done. This 20 minute job had taken me 75 minutes! Ridiculous, but true. In my defense I didn't take the wheel off and had little room to work, but still. Had a quick look at undoing the handbrake cable from the lever to make sure this is of no influence on the rear noise but decided that would really need getting the jack out and there wouldn't be time before I'd have to get back to the horsey. So put the car back in the garage and went to get wife and daughter again. Surprise surprise, after a lousy start of the sunday, the weather again cleared up and the sun came out to make it the hottest 3rd of March since 1930. Despite feeling exceptionally tired I draaged myself outside to do the interior of the transit. Drving to and from our horsey (where my daughter also does volunteer work) almost 4-5 times a week means the inside of that car mimics the outside terrain of the riding school. I got that done though... Always feels good when it's all nice and clean. Took the Granada out of the garage in preparation for once again picking up my daughter at our horsey only this time with the hobby car. Put an old bedsheet in the floor area so it wouldn;t get too dirty. The granada needs a quick hoover and the internal glass cleaned but is otherwise in fine fettle. Picked up my daughter and the car drove really well. The rear noise was obviously still there. Sort of reassuring actually. With it being so predictable, I can effect changes and be pretty sure if they've done something or not. I didn't get to do the handbrake thing yet but I will soon. I'm ordering parts for the rear end. If I'm going to have to do the work at that end anyway, I think I'll put new CV joints on and change out the right rear wheel bearing. Next time the wheels are off, I'll make a detailed drawing so I can get adapters 3d printed for some centre caps. And I may start the engine wiring cover design as well. Getting mojo back slowly, sun helps a lot! The transit I hope will survive another 3 weeks on the current parts, as I just don't see how I can get it all fit in with the obligations I have the next couple of weeks.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Here's to a smooth relocation! I hope you find what you desire from it.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Feb 26, 2024 11:02:27 GMT
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So I did some more this weekend on both cars... There was a small window of opportunity so I took it. First the Transit van. I tried inspecting the botom gearbox mount further. I did not see mucht downward movement before, but it seemed angled down slightly so I thought I'd revisit this and jack up the box at the mount to see if it would move up easily. There wa sno sign of the mount having collapsed, as I lifted the entire subframe lifted with it. If the mount was at fault I would expect to see it move up somewhat before the rest of the car would move with it. It's not too expensive so just replacing it is an option. As I had the jack out, I tried to see if I could determine if the CV's or driveshafts as a whole are ok or not. Unfortunately with the wheel off the ground it rotated normally and without noises even with the weels turned in/out. I did feel a slight amount of movement in the driveshaft between wheel and gearbox side CV joint on both sides. But I suspect that is normal amount of movement as the wheel travels up/down there must be some give for that. Again didn't feel excessive. The granada rear has more movement in that direction on its rear drive shafts. One thing I did notice is a tick/clunk/thud like noise when changing direction from forward to backward turning of the wheel/shaft. I don't know if this is supposed to be audible or a sign of wear. I had the other side wheel on the ground when testing each side. I heard this on both sides, but am unsure if both sides actually make the noise or if it is just one side but the noise from the other side is created by the shaft turning as a little well as a result of the workings of the diff. As I was alone I could not visually see what happened on the side opposite to the one I was moving. I tried to see how difficult it would be to get the multi belt of for the test Kevins described, that sounded very logical to me to see if any of the ancilliary bearings might be a cause for the weird extra noise that goes away when engine is warm/has run for a while. Didn't get to do the actual test as the noise was not present when I was doing the tests as the car had been used. Need to rivisit that. Lastly I checked for codes, but apart from a persistant U0418- invalid data received from brake system controller modula A and a B115E- Camera module error there's nothing there to implicate any running issues. I've ordered some diesel injector cleaner that I'm expecting soon. I have no problem ordering about 500 euro worth of parts if that would at least mean it's mechanically sound again and the noise will be gone again. Yet obviously I'd like ot order as little as possible whilst at the same time avoiding multiple orders with multiple delivery charges. On the granada I was able to ascertain that the rear right side is still making the noise after a bit of driving. My first step there will be seeing if I can get the brake adjustment more to what in the manual. First test however will be disconnecting the cable from the lever to get any tension off and drive it like that see if that changes anything. I have one rear wheel bearing lying around and am thinking of replacing that. The only other component that can create noise is the drive shaft to the wheel, but it was discounted in earlier investigations: retrorides.proboards.com/thread/138296/granada-coupe-build-advice-wanted?page=108. Reading back this actually discounts all brake gubbins as well... So maybe my best bet is to just bite the bullet and do the bearing. But as the emergency brake test is easy, I'll do that anyway. I'm slowly getting my motivation back to actually doing stuff again. But the season start is quickly creaping up on me. I really should get that new fuel pump ordered... I guess I know what to do this week.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Feb 19, 2024 11:07:32 GMT
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That sounds...rather sound, lol. I'll start with a round of injector cleaner then. On the latest bill for that big service there was a line for diesel cleaner as well, but I've got to start somewhere.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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For the rough running I'd try a new filter and a dose of injector cleaner. For the noise from the front of the engine, I'd try taking the belt off and running for a short time to see if the noise goes away, it could be an idler, alternator, water pump or the crank pulley. For access to the ECU I seem to remember the easiest option was to take the LH headlamp out. Hi Kevin, Thanks again for your input. Although as I just typed in the previous reply. I don't want to be pigheaded or stubborn, but I don't yet see the relation between rough running when cold and the fuel filter. As it's only 45 euro's for a ford one, I'll probably just swap it out all the same. Injecotr cleaner is also an easy and pretty inexpensive thing to do, but again if it's inectors, is there some logic to them being fussy only whith cold and wet weather? I've do far decided to just start doing some stuff as this debating doesn't get me any closer either. I'll try to see tonight if I have any codes again or not as I didn't get to that this weekend. I'll start with the filter, injector cleaner and the gearbox mount. See if that does anything. If that does not fix the droning noise, next step will focus on wheel bearings and drive shafts. I don't really suspect the former, rather the latter, but at ten years old, even with less than 143.000km's on the counter, these might also be past their best...
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Sounds like you are in a similar place to me with enthusiasm eurogranada...the difference being I have a big ole workshop I'm allowed to use to sort out my own car at the weekend. But even that sometimes is just too much faff if the weather is poor or the working week has been hectic. With the Transit, has it had a fuel filter recently? And was it a genuine one? Aftermarket ones we have fitted at work have upset more than just a few vehicles that are very fussy Better weather, dry and a little warmer will probably help a lot with the mojo I'm sure. I usually have no problem with having to do a lot of mechanical work on my driveway, but it sure comes with limitations. But I think what hinders me most currently, is the feeling that I just don't know how to fix things. On the Granada I've not been able to identify any of the causes for the noise(s) yet and on the transit I'm down to just replacing parts and seeing if that does something... I feel that if I knew for sure what I would have to do to fix than I'd be more motivated to just do it. On the transit I can say that the fuel filter is most likely a bosch replacement item that is about 6 months old. As all maintenance that I do not do myself goes to the Bosch Service center car dealership I bought the car at. I trust them completely. It's had a major service about 6 months ago. All fluids, oil, even brake fluid, all filters, aircon, the lot. However, I have had this same running issue on the previous two filters, as it's been there on and off for a long time now. Only over summer due to higher temsp it is (or at least used to be) a lot less present. This is why I once had all the glow plugs replaced as at that time the engine ran the same as now and the AAA found codes relating to the glow plug circuit. That only solved the problem for a short while. Anyway, back to the filters, one of those was an OEM ford replacement as I replaced that myself along with an origial oil filter (ordered from Poland at three times the cost of a generic one if I remember correctly). So as much as a fuel filter is easy to replace on these models I just can't see this being the cause. I might swap another ford one in anyway just to be sure. What's another 45 euro's lol. But why would the wet/low temp conditions be of influence on the filter? As the problem goes away when the engine is nice and warm... It's not that I want to be pigheaded or anything, but I just like to be able to explain things.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Feb 15, 2024 13:00:54 GMT
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Nice save! To me these are always very satisfying repairs.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Feb 15, 2024 12:36:37 GMT
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Amazing fabrication and research skills. Combined with a lovely work environment! I thoroughly enjoy this thread! Well done so far!
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Feb 15, 2024 12:14:21 GMT
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Wow, it's been a while already! Time really does fly...
My excuse is that I've had the busiest period of work in my carreer of the last 5 or more years and that has drained me from a lot of energy. Working double the usual hours at the height of times. Add to that the lousy weather we've had and I just couldn't bring myself to diving under and into the cars issues.
Alas, they were getting worse. The droning noise, that was suggested to be the engine to gearbox mount, was growing louder. It's only there under power and seems to be more prominent in left turns, a little less in right turns. But going straight under power it's there and louder than at first. So I had to do something. The rough running when cold or wet was ever present. Only when the car was driven enough on a day that the heat was in the engine, I got to experience the puuuuurrrrrrfect purring of the engine. It's so nice and smooth at that point. That makes me extra annoyed when it won't run like that. I'm in two minds if it, at that time, is just as quiet as it was when I bought it or still a bit more noisy. As when cold, again, there's definitely an added noise while idling (above idle inside the car it's hard to judge, even with the door open). It's coming from the right side so the side where the distribution is and the multi v belt runs. I'm a bit scared of this noise. Perhaps a bearing for a roller or guide? I don't want to torpedo my engine, but I myself can't pinpoint it or narrow it down. But I'm convinced it's there and I'm not imagining it as even the wife commented on the van being loud and she always walks down that side to enter the car. Anyway, as I stated before, the first time I had noticed this rough running when cold/wet behaviour I got the ANWB (AAA) involved and they read the codes and there was a glow circuit code for plug 1. Subsequently I had the plugs changed at the next maintenance opportunity. The rough running was gone for a while, but all too quickly returned. I should have gone back to the garage but as it is 60km+ away from me and I need the van daily, it never got done.
So I started by buying the forscan adapter and downloading forscan. First order of business, the rough running. I was fully expecting to find the glow plug code present in the DTC list, but while forscan seemed to perfectly identify the vehicle and it's modules I didn't find what I was expecting. Basically I only had a DTC for the brake error and several for the window wipers that had drawm more than expected current. I guess being automatically activated by the rain sensor when they were on a frozen screen. Well at least that is the only situation I had with the wipers over winter and they pulled loose immediately as well.
I cleared the codes and reviewed them a day later. This time I had codes again. The brake one was gone, but the error on the dash still occurred. I had a BCM error about the parking system malfunctioning. No idea why had never ever had a warning of that kind. Cleared all codes again and drove for a bit. I now have to see if there's anything new.
So I did not really have any engine DTC's. And the DTC's I had were mostly concerning the BCM. So I'd like to look for that and see if there's anything there. But, this means I'm no closer to solving the rough running and the related higher fuel consumption. And it also doesn't provide any clues. So how to proceed. I'm not great with complex electronics but I'd like to verify the signals to the glow plugs. I also hear a lot about random issues from the ecu being in a water rich environment. So maybe check that out as well? But access is dreadful as far as I have seen.
Next up that droning noise. To me the description above points to suspecting the CV as it has at one time been run too long with a broken dust boot (before it was caught) and there was visible bluing on the metal where the balls sit when I did fix it. Obviously I didn't throw away your generous advice and checked the subframe/body to gearbox mount. It is pointing slightly downward. There is some downward movement possible with a breaker bar. Upward I had no way of providing pressure so no clue. Visually it looked ok, but we had already concluded that visuals alone would not cut it. Anyway, I can't conclude that it is defective. More advice on testing welcome. But I'd be inclined to preventative replacement anyway. I didn't have time to jack up the car and see if I I could feel anything/hear anything from the CV. So again, no progress and a growing amount of noise... What is wisdom?
I had two pictures to show...The image uploader seems to be malfunctioning. It inserts only the tags not the link...
I am inclined to buy the parts to make sure the mechanicals are fine: new drive shaft left and right, so all joints are new, all dust covers are new (as it is only a waiting game to see when the inner gearbox side dust boots will tear even though they see less movement) and adding the mount for reassurance and to save on transport cost. I should be able to replace them at home, I was able to do 90% of the work required when I fixed the boots last time.
Any advice on how to proceed is welcome. I will check the codes again tomorrow as time permits. By the way, I did confirm yesterday that when the engine is hot and running nicely is definitely sounds a lot healthier than when cold. Still have a little doubt about extra noise, but by far not as noticeable as when cold. It sounds pretty normal when fully warmed up.
Investigating the seat workings is lower on the list as annoying as it is. Moving the seat pops the fuse. And the heated bits don’t work on the driver side either. As far as I can find both seats share the fuse and as the other side is working, it’s not that! By the way, am I the only one who really hates those newfangled box type fuses? First off, they’re the worst to remove I’ve so far encountered. And it may just be me, but, I cannot judge them visually on being broken or not. I measured them to be sure. Also, why are they up to 8 euro’s a pop? It’s just insane! And why are there high and low versions? I’m going to have to check and test the seat wiring, no doubt this will mean popping a few fuses in the process. My solution, at least my idea, is to make an adapter from this expensive type to the usual big spade type using an inline fuse fitting. Soldering the ends to the box fuses prongs. This way I can pop a few cheapo fuses without much worry of the cost.
I’m a little frustrated if I’m being honest. Not only am I nothing further on the Transit, but the Granada is also still sitting as it was end of last season. That has it’s own list of things to do, most important to me are the rear end noises that still elude me as for a solution.
I guess I just need some mojo to get on with things. But being condemned to working outside it’s not so easy at this time. And I’d really like to get the car to 100 points this season. Knowing I can enjoy it without fear… But the daily needs to take priority as well, it's the daily... I need at least that to be reliable.
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Looks great though. And as others said elsewhere, the workmanship is to a very high level!
You may have explained this and I may just have missed it in your story, but with you looking to go into rallying why not use the escort?
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eurogranada
Europe
To tinker or not to tinker, that is the question...
Posts: 2,478
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Well, my weekend turned out quite different from what I had expected. Not in the best of ways, but such is life. Virtually no time at all for anything including the Transit van...
I did go and get that code reader. Minding the noise while driving as much as I could. I have a feeling that taking left corners the noise under power is more noticeable. It remains hard to say. When I can I'll start with inspecting the mount. I looked up the part online and given what it is I'd figured that just looking at it wouldn't tell me too much ;-). I presume there shouldn't be too much movement if the part is doing what it should.
I did find a few minutes to see if the code reader would tell me anything, but after hooking it up it became apparent quite quickly that this unit has the exact same capabilities and limitations as my own. It just reads the main ecu and that says no codes present. But from earlier experience I know that the tripple A (ANWB over here) could see far more when I last had the same issue.
Back to the drawing board on that unfortunately. I'm looking into forscan but I'm not quite sure on what I need to aquire to work with that. As I'm expecting to drive this van for a longer while (and I'm a Ford person anyway) I don't think investing in that is a waste of money.
I'm a bit miffed that I didn't get more done though. I hate driving the van so much knowing there's some stuff to take care of. Especially if it's mechanical in nature. I also really would like to identify that new noise that the engine seems to make. I get the feeling I'm driving a time bomb with the counter missing, but with the potential of huge cost if it goes really wrong.
On the Granada front I see it is getting too little use. The older battery in it with the cold seems to lose charge quicker now. I needed it moved, to make use of one short little dry spell to get to my ladder so I could remove the x-mass lights from the roof gutter, but it was spinning over quite slowly. Thankfyully the engine usually catches quickly and it just started.
I put the car back with the bonnet released so I can add my charger for a bit soon.
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