'92S Front struts/springs

**modena782002** · #1 (**permalink**) 09-17-2005, 12:35 PM

I hope that I'm not screwed. This morning I was out in my 164S. Traffic was light at 8AM, so I had some fun on an entrance ramp to the Turnpike. Coming off the ramp, wound it out to six grand to third, and to about 5500 to fourth and into fifth at around five grand. A quick glance at the speedo, almost 100mph. Whoo Hoo. Entering the next exit ramp, (a straight exit) tap the brakes, heel-toe into fourth, a little more pressure on the binders, and then...SNAP loud noise from the front right, car drops, and I thought I blew a tire. Pulled over asap, and discovered that the coil spring had let go! I limped home three miles, and removed the tire to discover the coil spring completely out of its usual place of residence. As you can see, the bottom coil cap is completely rotted, therefore the failure.

Am I screwed? Do I need an entire shock "unit" at mega $ for the electronic "S" types? Or, can I just replace the bottom coil cap, and be on my way? A quick browse of the IAP catalogue, shows that this part is not available.

BlackAlfa · #2 (**permalink**) 09-17-2005, 01:52 PM

Whoops, what a sight

! Your lower spring pan has failed due to rust.

You should be able to get a replacement spring pan. IAP etc only carrys the more popular parts. You need to try places (like Difatta) where they have a more complete line or they can order for you. Or, try to get a good used one (Jake, get a usable one?). Order the lower strut bearing too - the balls will just fall out when you separate the assembly.

Bob

**modena782002** · #3 (**permalink**) 09-17-2005, 02:12 PM

Thanks Bob, I feel a bit of relief. Almost went to the Saab dealer today to see what they had on the lot.

. BTW, in the pictures, the black spots that look like tar are actually bits of one of my four new Dunlops with less than 1000 miles on it. The tire rubbed the spring and the rotted coil pan all the way home.

BlackAlfa · #4 (**permalink**) 09-17-2005, 02:58 PM

I guess you need a new tire then. But it seems like the lower spring pan is not that expensive (perhaps ~$30). The left and right side pans are different. I think the one you need is 60501444 (right side) but double check when you order.

**modena782002** · #5 (**permalink**) 09-17-2005, 03:33 PM

Wow, my humble thanks again. I have cardisc, but it does not have the part numbers like you have provided. Is there a disc out there that is available?

I have loosened up the strut, but am confused on how to disconnect the electronics (see picture 3) Any ideas?

tjp74 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-17-2005, 03:59 PM

What was illustrated above is from the official Fiat issued parts CD. Newer version is on DVD now. Search alfa DVD or CD on ebay.co.uk and you will find copied version for less than $10 shipped to your US address.

TJ

**Alfissimo Int.** · #7 (**permalink**) 09-17-2005, 05:08 PM

Give me a call, I have 2 in stock, slightly used. I can also order new ones.
Mine are rustless!
Please let me know? I can get you ANY part that Alfa has! If you need it I can get it or have it!
Jason

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjp74

What was illustrated above is from the official Fiat issued parts CD. Newer version is on DVD now. Search alfa DVD or CD on ebay.co.uk and you will find copied version for less than $10 shipped to your US address.

TJ

**elite38868** · #8 (**permalink**) 09-17-2005, 06:51 PM

WOW, that's crazy! I guess that's what happens when you don't live in California

Just kidding...

I've been seeing brand new electronic struts go on ebay.co.uk and ebay.de fairly regulary, so check those. Also, google will translate entire ebay pages.

**modena782002** · #9 (**permalink**) 09-17-2005, 09:49 PM

Jason: I'll be pm'ing or calling you for the parts that I need. I want to make sure that I get the proper sides. TJ and Sean: I checked the UK ebay site, I did see the parts disc. I'll soon be ordering that. A quick search turned up empty for the shocks, but I prefer to repair them at this point. I'm quite happy this won't cost mega bucks!

MrT · #10 (**permalink**) 09-18-2005, 01:21 PM

Jason would be a good source. Difatta carries both left and right spring pans/perches. For the money for pans compared to the time involved in replacement, don't even think about scrimping on pieces. Plan to replace the dust boot unless you can convince yourself it is pristine (it doesn't really look _bad_, but check), the bump stop, and the lower strut bearing. Whoever reassembled this one with the rusty pan made a mistake. I replaced the pans on our most recent acquisition just because they looked significantly rusted. The "S" car for my son last January had a left pan that looked like yours must have a couple of days ago. We replaced it, too, prior to spontaneous fragmentation. New pans are probably $40-$50 US each, different part numbers. The rear struts have integral pans and MAY therefore not be interchangeable (but I don't know that they are not interchangeable). The front struts should be interchangeable (even on an S, but for moving the control wire housing from front to rear side, but I think that doesn't matter).

Michael

**modena782002** · #11 (**permalink**) 09-18-2005, 01:41 PM

I got the assembly out of the car today. Of course the spring was easily removed, however, I think that I need to go to a machine shop and have the 22mm bolt removed from the top of the strut. I can't seem to loosen it without spinning the strut itself, and naturally, I don't want to grab it with a pair of vise grips! It looks as if I'll need the bump stop-it was just powder, the lower strut bearing, and perhaps #22 on Bob's post of the exploded view. The boot looks just "ok" a couple of tears in the rubber. If they are available, I agree, may as well take care of it now.

**Alfissimo Int.** · #12 (**permalink**) 09-18-2005, 02:13 PM

I have both sides, correct L/R.
I can supply boots/bearings/bump stops, upper strut bearing, pad what have you!
Rear struts are one unit!
Just for your info! I carry Electronic struts for tons less than others if you ever needed to replace one.
List price: $1225.23 each, my Price is $1175.50 A PAIR! FRONT OR REAR!
Also have a nice set of front S springs Slightly used.
Use a vise grip on the upper shaft with or without a thin piece of rubber, like the kind you use on a jar.
Place that on the shaft up high, place vise grips on there as tight as you can muscle it! Use a air wrench to torque it off. You dont want to spin the electronic struts too much more that you already have! Soak some liquid wrench, WD-40 what ever you shoose on it overnight!

Looks like you made a new CV joint boot as well. Looks like grease splatter on the inner fender well. Spring may have ate it!?

Good luck!
Jason

Quote:

Originally Posted by modena782002

I got the assembly out of the car today. Of course the spring was easily removed, however, I think that I need to go to a machine shop and have the 22mm bolt removed from the top of the strut. I can't seem to loosen it without spinning the strut itself, and naturally, I don't want to grab it with a pair of vise grips! It looks as if I'll need the bump stop-it was just powder, the lower strut bearing, and perhaps #22 on Bob's post of the exploded view. The boot looks just "ok" a couple of tears in the rubber. If they are available, I agree, may as well take care of it now.

**modena782002** · #13 (**permalink**) 09-18-2005, 03:16 PM

Jason,

Thanks for all the info. I will be inventorying (sp?) and assesing what I need. I'll soon be in touch. What looks like grease splatters are actually shards of one of my new Dunlops. When the spring let go, it and the rusted pan started rubbing the inner side wall to the tire. I guess I need a new one!

MrT · #14 (**permalink**) 09-18-2005, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfissimo Int.

...Rear struts are one unit!...

twoliterlover · #15 (**permalink**) 09-18-2005, 09:25 PM

Try a call directly to:
ALFA PARTS EXCHANGE FAX (209) 833-8337
11th Street at Banta Rd (Tracy) www.apedirect.com
PO Box 142 oldpartsape@yahoo.com
Banta, CA 95304 (209) 833-8330
Attn: Larry Dickman h (925) 931-0144
Larry has everything, and can get it to you fast. Banta, however, is very close to San Francisco (actually over the hill inland from Oakland), but they are very prompt and will cut the part out of an unrusted California 164 and send it to you. (for a wee price). But while you are at it, get everything as a unit instead of a bit here and a bit there -- all at extra bucks each piece. Have him send you both left and right sides while you are at it. He has enough of them that they should not be too expensive, and it is just as easy to send two as it is one. I get stuff from Larry all the time in Seattle. It comes fast. Jay Nuxoll