P2 - Fitting strut brace tensioners...

Post 536741 by M-R-P on 2012-09-14 18:18:38

Ok, ya gonna love this one... These arrived today... £12.99 from fleaBay (bargain hunting again lol). Here's what time I started... 18mm nut on the bottom... take the cam belt cover off to ease access, get a ring spanner on it and a 17mm ratchet on the top. Crack the bottom nut and unwind from the top. Greace the bush and insert into the underside of the mount, then on with the washer (cup facing up) then refit the nut and re-tighten. Same with the other side. Here's what time I finished (there was a toilet stop in there too). Verdict... It doesn't completely tighten the brace but it does stiffen it. If you bore the hole in the washer, it'll pull it in nice and tight but the engine noise has increased somewhat and I don't want any more. The car feels tighter when throwing it into tight bends - you can feel the tyres pulling a lot more than before. I said I didn't want more engine noise but actually, it has this lovely sweeet roar when you abuse the loud pedal which, for me, negates the need for an exhaust upgrade - for now. One thing - with the poly top mount, poly lower mount and now the poly strut tensioners, the vibration through the cabin at idle, is pretty annoying. I took a vid but it would appear that the vibration cycles at something near the 30fps of the video camera, meaning that instead of seeing the engine rattling back anf forth, it appears to sway gently lol. Here it is... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsK2FIapPcA&feature=youtu.be

Post 536745 by Harvey on 2012-09-14 18:45:32

Did my motor last year ,did not any notice sound or vibrating difference but I still have the stock square Volvo top engine mount. Nice and easy job as you say.

Post 536747 by M-R-P on 2012-09-14 18:52:57

Powerflex top mount is the key mate, gonna drill mine soon - getting fed up with the rattling at idle.

Post 536748 by p fandango on 2012-09-14 19:01:40

i bought some of these last year, couldn't get them to fit so binned them. Now found out they don't go in the top lol, tempted to order another set & try again

Post 536751 by M-R-P on 2012-09-14 19:02:56

lol, they don't even need pushing, they just slide in :D

Post 536752 by p fandango on 2012-09-14 19:15:24

[QUOTE=M-R-P;536751]lol, they don't even need pushing, they just slide in :D[/QUOTE] oh i don't care lol

Post 536753 by M-R-P on 2012-09-14 19:21:02

No angle-grinder required lol. That reminds me - I have something else to add to your bag of goodies ;)

Post 536754 by p fandango on 2012-09-14 19:22:40

[QUOTE=M-R-P;536753]No angle-grinder required lol. That reminds me - I have something else to add to your bag of goodies ;)[/QUOTE] its no fun if you don't need to use a grinder. I never got the last Southern Softies goodie bag lmao

Post 536755 by LiamT4 on 2012-09-14 19:30:05

[QUOTE=p fandango;536748]i bought some of these last year, couldn't get them to fit so binned them. Now found out they don't go in the top lol, tempted to order another set & try again[/QUOTE] Well done pedro :lol:

Post 536756 by Harvey on 2012-09-14 19:38:12

The top mount small bush fitted,lower gearbox small bush fitted to a new volvo link assembly and engine brace all powerflex Fitted new Volvo top mount as old on was worn ,just like the car nice and quite,still got the wishbones bushes to fit just have not got around to fit but I did get a powerflex keying with the bushes.going to look at the 4 wheel tracking to see what is worn first if it's out might look at the powerflex rear end kit.