RichardKs wanderings: bought another Focus CC

[Zelandeth]

2 hours ago, RichardK said:

I was supposed to be helping at a Thai festival this weekend, but having managed to bash my foot twice and got to the stage where 'walking is like having my toes stamped on with every step', I bailed out.

Partly because it would be another weekend where ABSOLUTELY NOTHING GOT DONE and everything kept deteriorating.

So at the moment we're at:

BMW X3 - front suspension rattling, transmission grumbling, turbo screaming (sometimes), sunroof rattling

Citroen C6 - nose-scraping, hill-rolling, parking sensors beeping

PT Cruiser - can't use it because it'll add miles BUT I HAVE A BUYER*. Except I need to get it to them, and I need to fit the front suspension arms

The BMW I'm happy with most of the time but a drive into Nottingham with the absolutely fucked roads there plus M1 insanity meant I reached the end of my tether before the end of the journey - not helped by going to close the sunroof blind to try and mask the rattling, and instead managing to make it open to 'vent' position which is when it jams and makes horrid noises. I think my nerves would be much better if I fixed the front suspension, as it takes a tiny bump to make the whole lot sound like someone's wailing on it with a lump hammer and a lot of small bumps (or 'a road', apparently) is just unbearable, particularly when the sunroof is rattling away overhead too. I swear it makes the centre bearing rumble sound worse too.

I'm painfully aware of every day that passes when I haven't changed the diff and transfer case oils.

The C6 is the easy win, because a new height corrector was delivered. Two bolts, maybe even one bolt, a plug, and a lever. SIMPLES!

Except it's under the front end of a car that you NEVER stick your head under (and on Daigbox it has a new trick since I corrected the LDS levels - you can raise it to full height with the tests, but when you switch the car off it drops to normal with a satisfying hiss. Or TERRIFYING hiss if you're thinking that you might leave it raised, put a support under it, and fix a sensor).

The PT Cruiser I think will be a piece of piss to swap the arms on, because it's like working on a new car, but you have to get both wheels raised otherwise you're fighting the ARB torque when trying to undo the ARB link bolts.

So, I'm going to attempt the C6, by driving it onto some ramps at full height then seeing if I can put a safety support in there. The jacking points aren't a good bet as they're folded.

If you don't hear from me for 48 hours, I cocked up!

*at least, I have someone who really seems to want it. They want to PX a 2005 Volvo V70 auto, but I don't think I want it.

Well on the plus side if it comes to it, I don't imagine a big Volvo is likely to be a particularly difficult car to sell.

[IronStar]

On 18/06/2024 at 12:11, RichardK said:

Already happening in places - for example, the number plate panel is secured with clips on the lower edge that hold captive spire nut things, and when the boot struts get weak the plastic panel is the first thing you catch to stop it dropping. The result is inevitable - broken plastic, loose clips, flapping panel. Someone's made 3D printed replacement clip sections that clip over and glue in (so are stronger).

But the problem with 3D printed components is that the plastics involved and fibre structure don't always suit the application. SLA printing doesn't create a fibrous structure, but the resin lacks some of the strength and flexibility of ABS plastic, ABS plastic from 3D printers is poor at three-dimensional shear resistance - it'll flex and hold in the direction of the print, but for small clips and pieces it often separates in layers like a veneer falling apart.

There's a stage missing for 3D printed spares that may well have been addressed and I'm not aware of it, since the last time I tried this was probably in 2017 trying to recreate an aerial nut cover for a Citroen DS, Annealing the printed item.

If you can print a clip in ABS plastic and somehow keep the structure while heating it to fuse the layers of the 3D printing process, that would probably work quite well.

The other issue is some forms of 3D printing filament are biodegradable, and won't have the required longevity

In terms of short runs and clubs, the solution is probably Chinese factory, 3D milled injection mould, fingers crossed. But it's more likely that the clips originated in a factory that has the moulds and is still capable of producing small runs, it's just that Stellantis/PSA won't order them. The global nature of car production, however, means there's a good chance that the clip could be known under a different part number or brand and reused in an Asian-market car..

Apparently the height correctors (which are just the same sensors used for self-levelling headlights) live on underneath Chinese-market Citroen C5s and C6s (which aren't anything like C6s in Europe) and also under the current 508 etc.. but probably with the wrong angle of lever, or somesuch. The basic Hella component seems to be shared with Land Rovers, Kias, all kinds of things.

The solution for ABS 3D printed clips, or any other load bearing elements, is not printing them at the obvious straight up angle, but doing a 45 degree rotation, so the force applied doesn’t shear off the layers. 

[Dave_Q]

Is there any technical reason why one couldn't 3D print the mould then cast/mould the clips yourself from ABS etc?

[RichardK]

Hmm

This one on the ramps now

First job - just buy a sodding new Mercedes alarm siren. Battery dated April 2024 - that ought to last a while.

Loud, too.

I'm still really avoiding putting the front arms on though.

[RichardK]

1 hour ago, Zelandeth said:

Well on the plus side if it comes to it, I don't imagine a big Volvo is likely to be a particularly difficult car to sell.

True, but they were expecting a 166,000 mile petrol auto V70 to fetch £2800, and it's blue and doesn't have a sunroof, so I already hate it.

[RichardK]

I wish the C6 were like this underneath

 

[RichardK]

I despair - Halfords not having LDS or fully synthetic GL5 gear oil I can sort of understand, but the local motor factor also drew a blank...  but could get LDS  by Wednesday.

So 2 litres of LiquiMoly fully synth 75W90 GL5, 1 litre of LDS, 1 litre of Ravenol DTF-1 on the way from my Amazon, one day delivery.

But of course, local shops are closing and need our support!

(The factor also can't provide TRW control arms for the X3 due to some weird contract apparently. "Why do you want TRW?" "Supposed to be the OEM" "Makes sense. We can't get them")

[RichardK]

Got LDS - ran the diagbox - followed the procedure for bleeding - it appeared full when depressurised but when bled fully, had devoured a load of fluid. The various manuals say that 'full low' should have LDS visible in the lower part of the filter insert, so hopefully, it's there now.

Suspension height setting - I can't measure under the front easily, but worked from wheelarch heights. Each round of failed reference height programming, it adjusted itself - it first, up, until I got 704mm front arch lip height, a good 20-25mm up from where it was lurking before. But that worked out as a chassis clearance of 145mm, not the desired 160mm. When I measured 704mm but told it I'd measured 10mm less, it  was having none of it and didn't magically add another 10mm to the front.

So I'm fairly sure that despite looking quite normal, the brackets are probably unhappy. They're £81 for a full set of mount, balljoint and rear brackets, so annoying to do the lot, but £20 on the wishbone balljoint carriers is fine.

Of course I could have a more sinister issue, like leakback from the struts, which would probably be a write off situation if it made the car unusable.

Post arrived with tools from @DavidB (thankyou!) and perfectly timed, as there's a fluid transfer syringe in there and I've got two bottles of 75W90 and one of transfer case fluid to put into a BMW.

But not today. I'll give the C6 a run and see if I can beat my record of 2.5 miles before a new error shows up on the screen

The A/C is bloody good on it though. I swear the other day the driver's side offered me warm air as well as cold, too.

[GeordieInExile]

21 hours ago, RichardK said:

 I swear the other day the driver's side offered me warm air as well as cold, too.

You are almost certainly imagining things. 

The aircon was, needless to say, not working when I got it. But incredibly, it really did just need a regas m8!

[RichardK]

4 hours ago, GeordieInExile said:

You are almost certainly imagining things. 

The aircon was, needless to say, not working when I got it. But incredibly, it really did just need a regas m8!

It did it again!

I did spend some time arguing with it via Lexia, but perhaps the flap just stuck in a different position, or some thing else has moved...

Despite throwing errors all over the shop to the point where I told my gf that I'd be more worried if it DIDN'T interrupt a drive with a series of beeps and messages to tell me how miserable it is, it did a better job of tackling war-torn Hyson Green and Lenton than the BMW did. And with a boot full of Durian and suspension on 'high' to get off the field without scraping the nose on the grass, it managed to scare me at the first stop with a stream of water running out from underneath...

*dips finger in it. Sniff*

"It's not coolant, it's not screenwash, it's not suspension fluid, it's not diesel, it's not brake fluid, it's not alien blood. It's... A LOT OF CONDENSATE"

The A/C works VERY well. And the drains are, it seems, quite clear

So I'm now at the stage where I need the fancy tools for measuring ride height. I don't appear to have a bodged bracket, I definitely have lots of working sensors, and the issue now seems to be that I don't know the right lies to tell the car to make it have enough ground clearance.

With the silly tax on all my cars, I have to make a choice - does the X3 get committed to the garage for July, leaving the C6 with the burden of 'do not break down or I will leave you where you rest', or do I try to do the X3's diff and transfer case oils (and maybe get that prop bearing sorted) and let the C6 have July to think about what it's done. It runs out of MOT in August I think so the handbrake (and maybe arguing with the EGR warning) should probably be priority jobs.

[Noel Tidybeard]

Kitchy made an video

 

[RichardK]

It's those experiences that are why I think it's worth me getting the right things for measurements instead of the bonus 'defaults' from forums

[EyesWeldedShut]

19 hours ago, RichardK said:

With the silly tax on all my cars, I have to make a choice - does the X3 get committed to the garage for July, leaving the C6 with the burden of 'do not break down or I will leave you where you rest', or do I try to do the X3's diff and transfer case oils (and maybe get that prop bearing sorted) and let the C6 have July to think about what it's done. It runs out of MOT in August I think so the handbrake (and maybe arguing with the EGR warning) should probably be priority jobs.

If the X3 is roadworthy by end of June then I'd run that in July whilst doing MOT prep on the C6.
If C6 is then roadworthy by end July swap over and drive it prior to the MOT?

 

54 minutes ago, RichardK said:

It's those experiences that are why I think it's worth me getting the right things for measurements instead of the bonus 'defaults' from forums

+1 if you meant bogus - there is so much crap info on some forums now it's a bugger - everything needs triple checking it feels

[RichardK]

One out, one in...

[mat777]

Made it home by 1am in the "one out"  last night/this morning. God, it's addictive!  My best description would be "rocket-propelled school bus", and the brakes have better feel than some single-seaters I've driven!

Brilliant to meet you and see your fleet last night, much envy of the garage setup!

[loserone]

That would be exactly a perfect complement to an EV 😂

[dome]

14 hours ago, RichardK said:

One out, one in...

986/996?

[RichardK]

29 minutes ago, dome said:

986/996?

[RichardK]

Added my first contribution to the car's history - though the emissions were a tad awkward.

[mat777]

It already looks a million times better just for evident wash and valet you've given it! Glad to see it passed with the existing front tyres too, but I'll still be getting the new ones dropped off for you ASAP  

[RichardK]

5 hours ago, mat777 said:

It already looks a million times better just for evident wash and valet you've given it! Glad to see it passed with the existing front tyres too, but I'll still be getting the new ones dropped off for you ASAP  

Barely - I pointed a hose at it to wash some dust off, and stupidly damaged a brake pad wear sensor while cleaning the wheels I think 😕

I didn't plan to MOT it today, I wanted to check it more first, but they see me and assume I want an MOT now 😂

Addictive is definitely the right word for the RRCXKR - I wish my brain had a setting between "keep it functional" and "full restoration needed" as it's built to be enjoyed and really very good, I think, as Range Rover Classics go for handling and ride.

I think the Boxster is more in my comfort zone, I have a list of small missing bits to sort out but it's been deployed for town run and shopping, roof down and up, and seems like the sort of car that will respond well to my style of doing things.

Nice meeting you and @horriblemercedes - and I still feel slightly guilty for not warning you at the NSL sign 😂

[RichardK]

Van failed the MOT - needs welding on the base of the A-pillar inside the arch. Garage is booked up, if anyone wants some money and is local? Looks like a fairly easy fix but I know nothing.

It also looks like part I'd have wanted to sort while sorting the front wings with new ones.

So back in the hole it goes:

Driveway now has strong "we're still voting for Blair despite the war since we just bought our second BTL home on a fraction of a percent mortgage and have quit our jobs to be property specialists and life coaches" energy.

Except time has passed.

This is now cleaned, draining properly, hot waxoyl bathed and fitted with the cover I found hiding under the boot carpet.

Needed drains cleaning, it weed on my leg after a bath when I went to drive uphill.

Looking nicer after the roof has been scrubbed, but the tension cables are worn and it is quite tired. I can live with it, but really it's about due a new top I think.

Shame, because the actual top is fine - it's just the velcro or sleeved bowden cable bits that have worn.

No longer true, I left a hairdryer in it after doing the waxoyl.

Fixed the missing bit.

Without an S how does anyone* even know it's a nice one?

*without ears**, anyway.

**speaking of ears, the CD player seems a bit crap, but the options for single-DIN audio in a carplay era are very naff. Except for Porsche's mental-price, tiny-screen PCCM.

I wish I earned enough that a PCCM radio wasn't like considering buying a diamond-encrusted Rolex. But I wish the Chinese android head unit makers would make a ripoff of it instead of making everything look like a Amstrad and Saisho paired up to create a budget brand.

[EspenO]

I suppose something like this will clash with the AC controls 🤔 Pioneer kit usually lifts sound quality quite well compared to most others, IMHO.

Naffness is in the eyes of the beholder, but the Continental and simpler Blaupunkt units are usually pretty discreet. 

[RichardK]

All the protruding screen ones block controls - I am thinking Blaupunkt Stockholm, but to be fair the Boxster has crap audio - two speakers on the dash. Proper solution is 2 DIN and move heater controls down (Porsche's way) but I want simple/basic feel).

Shame the retractable screen models always have naff display and controls when closed really.

[RichardK]

How did I end up living opposite a graveyard and somehow all of my cars are the same colour - black?

Okay, the camper is white, but it got a black mark:

Slightly confused how this bent lip of the front wing which goes under the arch - possibly a patch to join? - is a fail when this isn't:

Speedholes for an inner wing closing panel

[IronStar]

On 28/06/2024 at 19:54, RichardK said:

**speaking of ears, the CD player seems a bit crap, but the options for single-DIN audio in a carplay era are very naff. Except for Porsche's mental-price, tiny-screen PCCM.

I wish I earned enough that a PCCM radio wasn't like considering buying a diamond-encrusted Rolex. But I wish the Chinese android head unit makers would make a ripoff of it instead of making everything look like a Amstrad and Saisho paired up to create a budget brand.

How about Chinese, Android, 1DIN and CarPlay? 
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005509492740.html

It's not looking as good as PCCM radio but at this price....? Some alternatives are available in the related items that fit the same description.

[RichardK]

Ah, summer

This can stop now

Come on indoors

Because the PT Cruiser has gone! And I didn't have to drop the price to fire-sale desperation after all, just needed the right buyer.

So this one gets to live indoors and my stress levels are now:

C6 - try to ignore how determined it is to appear to be dying.

BMW - fix the bloody centre bearing!

Boxster - tidy it and service it, put new tyres on front, get a proper alignment.

Campervan - get the MOT done then make arrangements to put new front wings and filler panels in as the bit they objected to is a lip of a filler panel.

Still need to find some work though!

[RichardK]

10 hours ago, IronStar said:

How about Chinese, Android, 1DIN and CarPlay? 
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005509492740.html

It's not looking as good as PCCM radio but at this price....? Some alternatives are available in the related items that fit the same description.

I saw one that looked quite nice - physical volume button and matte-finished panel - but then when it went through all the usual login/here's an app/here's a voucher/sign up jere nonsense it was vanished.

I wonder how bad they are, really - why develop something then make it so cheap it's useless?

[IronStar]

17 minutes ago, RichardK said:

I saw one that looked quite nice - physical volume button and matte-finished panel - but then when it went through all the usual login/here's an app/here's a voucher/sign up jere nonsense it was vanished.

I wonder how bad they are, really - why develop something then make it so cheap it's useless?

This one in particular has resistive touchscreen, not capacitive one, so worth looking around a bit if you plan on using it for anything more than maps.
As for how bad - well, not really. Sure, the UI of the unit itself may be a bit awkward, but CarPlay and Android Auto are both glorified screen casting, which doesn’t really require all that much processing power. The most expensive component of the unit is screen itself, which is not all that big and resolution is usually low-ish bringing the price down. Android is free, and reskin for the particular device is a quantities game, especially if it’s not really polished. Rest of the components are peanuts- they always use hardware from few phone generations ago which is probably a leftover surplus of who knows what. Drivers are coming with the hardware so no need to develop that either. 
 

I have an OEM-looking Android thing in 159 that cost 100-something for few years now. Large chunk of that attributed to CAN box that translates rest of the car into the unit, and bit of the price going towards making it feel at home in 159.  The software in it is not really great, and it’s underpowered, but other than an odd hickup, it’s doing CarPlay amazingly well. It auto-connects to phone and just gets out of the way.  I never expected to be able to game on it, so expectations more than met. 

[RichardK]

This is the one I like the look of:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007002786673.html