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
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
------------------
keep the shiny side up
MikeC 01 #46