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Strange bracket repair

Joined
23 November 2001
Messages
728
Location
Lancaster, PA USA
I had my 01 #46 to a frame and alignment specialist today for some alignment issues and as part of a test he put it up on a lift and attached reflective strips to certain points on the suspension and frame. Then a rotating laser/sensor device measures the car for trueness. It was perfect and in spec. However, he pointed out to me a part that looked “suspicious”. I should have taken a picture of it. The best way to describe it is if you are looking from under the car, near the driver’s side front wheel is an aluminum bracket of sorts painted body color.. in this case yellow. Attached to the bracket seems to be the anti lock brake device. What makes it strange is that this part of the car has obviously been reworked. It is wavy and looks like unused holes were filled in with weld, and has two more unused holes in it. In the rework area, it also has been hand painted with yellow and you can see obvious drips and runs unlike the rest of the area. There is no evidence of paintwork or repaired damage anywhere else on the car. He is sure all the body panels are original. I’m just curious what’s up with that? I know that the ABS unit has been changed for the later cars and I wonder if they used an old bracket and reworked it to accept the new unit.

Also, there is a white powder that appears to be sprayed on all the break fittings. Is it some kind of leak detector they apply at the factory? Looking from the top side the ABS controller has it sprayed on the fittings, and each wheel caliper fitting has been sprayed. I am the original owner of this car and bought it new with 30 miles on the clock. It did have a new steering rack put in at the dealer. I wonder if you have to remove the brake lines to put in the rack?

Anyone have ideas or info? I know its trivial, but I love learning more about my car and.. inquiring minds what to know J

Also on the alignment issue Should I keep the factory alignment specs? I am an easy driver on the street and don’t come near the car’s limits, but I love the feel and don’t want to spoil it. However, extended tire wear would be a plus. I’m also thinking of going with non OEM tires like the Dunlop SP9000 for better wear. Any opinions? If you think handling feel would be degraded to where its noticeable on the street, then I would opt to keep OEM tires on it. (Bridgestone 010)

Thanks a lot
MikeC


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keep the shiny side up
MikeC 01 #46
 
Originally posted by mikec:
Should I keep the factory alignment specs? I am an easy driver on the street and don’t come near the car’s limits, but I love the feel and don’t want to spoil it.

Then keep the factory alignment specs.

Originally posted by mikec:
I’m also thinking of going with non OEM tires like the Dunlop SP9000 for better wear. Any opinions? If you think handling feel would be degraded to where its noticeable on the street, then I would opt to keep OEM tires on it. (Bridgestone 010)

Then keep the OEM tires on it.
 
Take a picture of the bracket please, I'm not sure what you are describing..

You can reduce the camber on the front and you'll never feel the difference with easy street driving.

Depending how picky you are, you may also not notice the difference if you reduce the front and rear toe settings towards zero.

Both of these will extend tire life. But you are the only one who can say if you feel a difference or not. Most people in your situation will not.

You WILL feel a big difference if you switch to SP9000 tires, and I don't think you will like it based on what you said.
 
BTW I agree with what Lud wrote.

Keep in mind, with alignment specs, that if you don't like how it feels one way, you can change them at any time, and you're only out the cost of the alignment. So, for example, if you want to go for longer tire wear, you can try it out, and then change back if you don't like the feel.
 
Highly recommend against the SP9000. I find the Bridgestone S03 to be a good compromise.

-- Chris

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I just took a '92 for a spin that has the S03s on it. What a nice set of tires! Definitely my next choice.

The SP9000s I have now are just junk. Worst decision I have made for my car. Upgrade? Hardly.

[This message has been edited by ChopsJazz (edited 28 September 2002).]
 
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