[Steering & Suspension] Post Rear Axle Replacement Question

[djcarlos2001]

We replaced our rear axle last week as it was making a horrible knocking sound.

It cost: approx £600 labour at £50 p/h plus VAT plus £160 for the axle. Not a 5 minute job and would not attempt myself.

Other options were:

a) main dealer new axle - ~ £2k?
b) recon axle - £400
c) strip down old axle with no guarantee of fix
d) axle from scrappie and garage fit

We chose option d)

Seems ok although I was told by the garage the replacement axle is different and they had to swap the hubs round.

Now, I believe our 2007 (57) Berlingo is now an inch or so lower at the back. Our original shocks were put back on but why is the car now a little lower (by approx 1 to 2 inches)

I am concerned this will: a) affect performance and b) load carrying capabilities.

Thanks
Carl

[steve valentine]

And don't forget C) handling abilities.

[Rustscrat]

Hi, it will depend upon what vehicle this came off. ie, was it an 800 or a 600 weight van, has it had a modified ride height (xtr).
The diameter of the torsion bars will determine weight, the position of the bars determine the height..
Have a read of these, they'll give you some idea what yours should be.
:thumbsup:


  rear suspension data..pdf (Size: 60.58 KB / Downloads: 39)

  rear torsion bars.pdf (Size: 267.05 KB / Downloads: 40)

Unfortunatly I've just discovered that mine needs replacing aswell but I'll be getting a recon one & fitting it myself!!:brickwall:

[djcarlos2001]

Hi, it will depend upon what vehicle this came off. ie, was it an 800 or a 600 weight van, has it had a modified ride height (xtr).
The diameter of the torsion bars will determine weight, the position of the bars determine the height..
Have a read of these, they'll give you some idea what yours should be.
:thumbsup:
Unfortunatly I've just discovered that mine needs replacing aswell but I'll be getting a recon one & fitting it myself!!:brickwall:

Thanks for the pointers and doc's.

Had a quick peak underneath and I can clearly see orange and pink / salmon coloured stripes. So, by process of elimination the axle has come from a passenger vehicle. Not sure if it came from an XTR model but I should be able to phone the axle supplier on Wednesday and confirm what vehicle it came from.

Good luck with your replacement. Ours took approx 7 hours apparently.

Carl