In a message dated 5/10/00 9:37:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
JOHN.D.LUNDY@saic.com writes:
<< actually popped off one of the rusted on lug nuts together with all
associated
stud metal. AND...gee, the LR wheel is now held on with only 3 (that one
popped off), the
RR seems to be held on OK, the LF and RF are only being held on with 2 each,
with the
other half of the lug nuts &/or studs stripped to the point of being able to
hand rotate - >>
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PLEASE DON'T DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE, until this is fixed. It is definitely
not safe. Considering the state of the lug nuts, I would have to surmise
that the brakes are in equally bad shape. You can't change the brake pads
without taking the wheels off.
Now you have some projects on which to learn. Your Bentley manual should be
there soon. Call Ed Kaler at JustBrits, (630) 325-6113, or Peter Caldwell at
Worldwide Imports, (800) 362-1025, and order the parts you need to (sorry to
lay this on you) REPLACE everything in the brakes that can conceivably be
bad. Buy rebuild front calipers, new rotors and pads, all new brake hoses
(get the braided hoses, they are great), new rear cylinders and shoes, all
new springs for the rear, and have the rear brake drums cut at an auto store.
This is not as expensive as it sounds, but remember, no matter how fast you
go, YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO STOP!
Ed or Peter will also help you get the right stuff for the wheel studs.
Replace them with larger studs and lug nuts if you plan on doing any
"spirited" driving. The originals are a bit anemic.
Whilst you are at it, replace the wheel bearings too. You have to take most
of this apart anyway, so you might as well get it all done at once. The nice
thing is that all of these jobs are fairly easy. None, with the possible
exception of removing the wheel studs, are difficult, and all are good
starting points for learning about working on an LBC.
Get signed up for the Spridgets list. Go to team.net and look for Spridgets.
More model specific help there for you. We'll get you through this. There
may even be a lister near you who would come over and give you a hand. A
refrigerator stocked with Guinness is always a good incentive.
Get ready for the "While I have it apart" step in refreshing your Midget.
Keep on posting!
Allen Hefner
SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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