Castor rod mounting

Joerg

New Member
Hello all, While examining the underbody, I noticed that the front left wheel suspension, or more precisely the mounting plate on which the Castro rod is mounted, was very badly re-welded. Part of it is already off and I'm lucky that it didn't fly off completely while driving. A coachbuilder said I couldn't just have it welded back on. Would that be the death for the car? What do you think can be done now? Many greetings from Germany Joerg
 

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From my reading cracking in that area is not unknown on the V8s. If there are no cracks visible now (will need some vigorous cleaning to check properly) it may be OK. Not visible to me what 'part of it is already off' you refer to? The Australian club does a reinforcement kit as below, with instructions on how to fit - quite a lot of work, even for a good welder. A$130....+ postage!
QdO42ww.jpg
 
I've had that link strut mounting come off on cars, and have had it welded back on without any further problems. I will admit that I got a much more competent welder than I am to do it though.

I don't know if it's just the photo, but the second pic looks like the mounting hole is elongated.
 
I've had that link strut mounting come off on cars, and have had it welded back on without any further problems. I will admit that I got a much more competent welder than I am to do it though.

I don't know if it's just the photo, but the second pic looks like the mounting hole is elongated.

Thank you for your answer.
I think you are right. I have to check that mounting hole. I think my welder will be much better than that guy how has tried to fix it before.
Best regards
Joerg
 
From my reading cracking in that area is not unknown on the V8s. If there are no cracks visible now (will need some vigorous cleaning to check properly) it may be OK. Not visible to me what 'part of it is already off' you refer to? The Australian club does a reinforcement kit as below, with instructions on how to fit - quite a lot of work, even for a good welder. A$130....+ postage!
QdO42ww.jpg

Wow, that Looks good. I will ask my welder whether it is necessary. How I could order it?
Best regards
Joerg
 
TBH it seems unecessary sending that metal through the post when they can email a template or even a file for a laser cutter. Be interesting to see one fitted.
 
Peter is correct - contact the club at Contact Us - Rover Car Club of Australia and ask how they might help. The pic shows the set of pieces for one side only. The kit comes with detailed instructions on how and where to fit the plates, and its not trivial. To be sure your chassis can be saved you will need to clean off quite a bit of coating to ensure there are no concealed cracks.
 
These parts of the kit......

s-l1600 (1).jpg

........are available from Colin Gould at Kingsdown Garage, 01367 244646. I paid £20 including postage (that would be a little more to Germany of course).
You'll probably find they're the only parts of the kit that you'd realistically need unless you're planning a lot of off-road trips in your car which is in essence what the Australian kit is for.
 
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Ok, that seems to be a good opportunity. Interesting in what my welder says. Thursday I will bring the car to the garage. Very slow and carful…
 
My welder did a good job I think.
I am interesting in what the TÜV will say.
I will report you
Best regards
Joerg
 
Hello Joerg,

The base unit of my Rover cracked beneath the lower shock absorber mounting, which is the usual point of failure, so it is my understanding.
(48) Base Unit Fatigue Failure | Classic Rover Forum
The brackets stiffen the area by reducing flexure, which in turn reduces the impact of fatigue resulting from cyclic loading.

From what I have seen over the years, the welds on your stabiliser brackets look fairly typical. Has the bracket actually broken free? If you have not already, give the area a thorough clean, taking quite a while to remove all traces of the underseal. Then you'll see if you have any fatigue cracks which require attention.

Ron.
 
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