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Hydrolastic problem

Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2015 3:29 pm
by boxofbits
Hi all

I have a '66 Hydro Mk1. I have had problems raising the OSF suspension. It has a new knuckle joint, and I have tried another Displacer unit without success. The back rises okay, whilst the front barely moves. The NS is fine.

I have blown out the pipe with an air line and no obstructions. I then reassembled, slackened the front flexi pipe Union and bled fluid up to this point. Still does not lift. I have not 'evacuated' the system first as I am not using the old BMC style pump.

Any answers appreciated!

Regards

Kevin

Re: Hydrolastic problem

Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2015 5:05 pm
by Nevsmini
It sounds like the front displacer is seized!

Re: Hydrolastic problem

Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2015 5:28 pm
by Rubber Sprung
Could you have a seized top suspension arm ?

Re: Hydrolastic problem

Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2015 7:25 pm
by Dr S
When I put mine in refill the displacer through the hose before connecting up. You can get quite a bit of fluid in that way. I'm inclined to depressire mine an try and burp the front displacers as I wonder if they have an air bubble in them.

Re: Hydrolastic problem

Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2015 10:58 pm
by boxofbits
Dr S wrote:When I put mine in refill the displacer through the hose before connecting up. You can get quite a bit of fluid in that way. I'm inclined to depressire mine an try and burp the front displacers as I wonder if they have an air bubble in them.
Dr S I think you're right. What I did in the end was jack up the front to take the weight off, let down the suspension on the OS, lift the front wheel a few times, then pump up with the weight still off. This got the Displacer working. I repeated this a few times.

At the moment I cannot get the ride heights correct as per manual ( 12 5/8" front / 13 1/8" rear +- 1/4") but if I repeat above enough I hope to get it closer. The best pump was the original which could purge the system of air first.

Do other members struggle with ride heights on Hydros and are they out from the manufacturer's settings?

Regards

Kevin

Re: Hydrolastic problem

Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2015 10:35 am
by LarryLebel
The strut could have been shortened at some time causing the disparity.

Re: Hydrolastic problem

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 12:57 pm
by Dr S
Hi Box o bits,

In my chase for a level car a new old stock helper spring arrived this morning, feels stronger than I remember the ones on the car being.

I'll try and make some measurements against new and used shortly to see if that reveals anything.

Nick

Re: Hydrolastic problem

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 7:48 am
by Andrew1967
Dr S wrote:Hi Box o bits,

In my chase for a level car a new old stock helper spring arrived this morning, feels stronger than I remember the ones on the car being.

I'll try and make some measurements against new and used shortly to see if that reveals anything.

Nick
Glad it arrived safely Nick 8-)

Re: Hydrolastic problem

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 12:25 pm
by Dr S
Cheers Andrew :-)