Driveshafts and Suspension

[donsrno1]

Today I had a look around under the new hybrid for the first time. There are a few things I wanted to check with you guys though, mainly to do with the driveshafts.

First of all the passenger side. I know they can often leak oil, but where exactly do they leak? Theres some leaking from the end of the gaitor area where it comes out of the box. You can see what I mean in these photos:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0185.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0197.jpg

The next thing was that the outer cv gaiter is leaking. The previous owner said to me that he had replaced a cv gaitor recently and I'm guessing it was this one. It look as though the cable tie has just slipped which means half of it isn't held down properly so its leaking.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0182.jpg
That one shoes the side of it thats ok.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0183.jpg
That one shows where the cable tie seems to have come off. Do you reckon I could just cut off the current cable tie and replace it and it would be OK?

Now to the drives side. It seems theres a split somewhere in the gaiter on that side as there some grease on the rubber. I could see any big splits or anything though, the only thing I could find was the little nick you can see below

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0181.jpg

I don't know how they usually split tbh so just wondered if thats likely to be the source of it?

What would the best option be, just a new shaft rather than fannying about with cv's?

Next I was having a look around and notice this:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0189.jpg

Is it just me or should that never have passed an MOT about a month ago when its not done much milage since?

Then I had a look at the suspension. The shocks are definately koni adjustables but I'm not too sure if they are just on standard springs:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0202.jpg

I'd have thought any aftermarket springs would have been coloured as well? Tbh I would be happy enough if they were standard springs as it would allow me to lower it by getting some new ones as I want it a bit lower anyway. Here are a couple of pics that show the ride height, does that look to be totally standard to you or slitghtly lowered as I've never really seen a standard valver in the metal:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0173.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0172.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/donsrno1/DSCF0170.jpg

Answers to any of the above questions would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Clio_GTT]

For the cost of second hand 16v driveshafts i'd whack another pair on, REALLY easy to do and shouldn't take you long !

Same with the ARB outer bushes, they're so cheap (new) and will freshen up the suspension feel, just change them.

That also looks std height to me.

[donsrno1]

yeah after a quick search it looks as though they are standard williams springs so I'll need to try and lower it a bit as its a bit high for my likeing.

Is it possible the worn ARB bushes could cause the steering to feel kind of twitchy. Its hard to describe but the steering doesn't feel anywhere near as planted as my 1.4 did, I think twitchy is the only way to describe it tbh.

[Coops]

cud be, replace the bushes, and check the inner arb mount bushes aswell, they tend to last longer but worth having a nosey

try re-zip tieing the loose gator and for the one with a small split i find a nice smear of silicone sealant does wonders.

std height by the looks of it yeah

interesting looking gearbox you got n all! 8)

[MAXIBOY]

or if the anti roll bars bushes haven,t been replaced maybe the bottom arms are shot.

[donsrno1]

cud be, replace the bushes, and check the inner arb mount bushes aswell, they tend to last longer but worth having a nosey

try re-zip tieing the loose gator and for the one with a small split i find a nice smear of silicone sealant does wonders.

std height by the looks of it yeah

interesting looking gearbox you got n all! 8)

lol, yeah gearbox is good. I just put a jubilee on the ones the zip tie had come off - should do the trick. Good shout with the silicon sealant - will give it a try. Theres no sign of any damage to them in the usual symptoms so hopefully both are ok.

Having done a search it seems that all standard williams springs come with two white dots on them so I think thats whats on there.

MAXI - cheers, I'll have a look. I had a look at the box as well today, will post in the other thread.