Zx Estate Trailing Arm Bearings

[zooknut]

I have got a 1996 ZX TD Leader Estate, the trailing arm bearings on the nearside rear suspension need to be replaced. Are they very difficult to replace? If so is it best to try to get a complete rear axle assembly from a breakers yard, or just get a used trailing arm? Also is the trailing arm and/or rear axle assembly the same on the estate as the hatchback? Thanks in anticipation for advise on this matter.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Not sure how difficult they are to replace, but rear axle assemblies (Complete) can be got for about £100 from breakers. Fitting will entail disconnecting the handbrake cables and brake pipes and then undoing 6 nuts from inside the car 2 on the front mount each side and one on the rear. You'll find them by lifting the carpet under the back seat. It is simply then a case of bolting up the "new" axle assembly and re-building/bleeding the brakes.

 

The best people to ask about the complexities of changing the bearings instead are either your local Citroen or Peugeot agents. The smaller pugs use the same axle with minor differences so the bearings etc will be the same. I remember watching one of the programmes made by Mike Brewer and Ed China where they rescued a down at heel 205 GTi and restored it. He did some work on the rear axle in that programme which didn't seem too difficult. But then he has a lift and all the right gear!

 

The axle will be the same as the hatchback to look at but I should think the spring rates will be higher on the estate to cope with the extra potential loading and heavier (Longer) rear end.

 

Cheers. Hope this helps. Happy tinkering!

[Shemer]

For replacing the bearings you'll need a dent puller, since bearings are inside the pipe holding the arms.

 

Only after dismantling the arms you will know if axle is worth renewal, since if arms are "eaten" by old bearings, forget it.

 

Also, if you decide to do it anyway, don't forget to measure the distance between a fixed point in the car (say, rear wing) and the middle of the brake while it's lifted in the air. make sure you go back to same distance after assembly - do it for both arms.

 

If you find an axle in good shape, take it, just drill two grease nipples in, and make sure you put some grease in.