Preventive maintenance advice, clutch, DMF, Ball Joints, bushes etc

[irlcwill]

Hi Padraic,

Very interested reading about the work you've just done on your van. We have a late California Exclusive based in Ireland. If you wouldnt mind, would you be able to PM the name of your independant VW mechanic ? They seem to understand the T4 specifically .... thanks

 

[sidepod]

All good P. It’s very satisfying when you know all is as it should be. It makes for a nice ride.

Next job for mine is top engine mounts. They’re fine but I’d like new ones.

Enjoy.

 

[WelshGas]

All good P. It’s very satisfying when you know all is as it should be. It makes for a nice ride.

Next job for mine is top engine mounts. They’re fine but I’d like new ones.

Enjoy.

Why bother if you might be changing to a T6? Or are you planning on keeping both?

 

[Padraic]

Hi Padraic,

Very interested reading about the work you've just done on your van. We have a late California Exclusive based in Ireland. If you wouldnt mind, would you be able to PM the name of your independant VW mechanic ? They seem to understand the T4 specifically .... thanks

Hi, yes I can send you the details. Where are you based. I'm over in the west. My local VW specialist, worked with VW circa 1996 onward, so he knows the T4's well. What type of work do you need done?

 

[Padraic]

All good P. It’s very satisfying when you know all is as it should be. It makes for a nice ride.

Next job for mine is top engine mounts. They’re fine but I’d like new ones.

Enjoy.

Yea it drives great now. Might replace some bushes and ball joints myself during the summer. What is the reason for replacing the upper engine mounts?

 

[sidepod]

Despite replacing the pendulum mount I still get a small amount of movement at the gear lever on/off throttle. It may just be the way it is (it has to move a small amount) but I’ll swap them anyway then I know it’s ok.

How is yours? Much movement? Just very gentle on/off throttle whilst holding the gear lever.

 

[Padraic]

Despite replacing the pendulum mount I still get a small amount of movement at the gear lever on/off throttle. It may just be the way it is (it has to move a small amount) but I’ll swap them anyway then I know it’s ok.

How is yours? Much movement? Just very gentle on/off throttle whilst holding the gear lever.

Just tried it this morning. There is a little movement like you said when on of the throttle. It’s very slight, and I’d say there will always be a certain amount due to it being a solid linkage rather than a cable type.
I also had the linkage bushes and ball and sockets replaced, I’d say any movement from the engine/gearbox would be more noticeable than before.
It will be interesting to know if you replace the engine mounts and it makes any difference. Keep us posted.

 

[irlcwill]

Hi Padraic,

Hmmm, I am based in the east coast, I would like to get all the gear linkages replaced and the gear change adjusted to start with, then possibly look at some mounts to help with vibration at the gear stick.

Thanks again

 

[sidepod]

Hi Padraic,

Hmmm, I am based in the east coast, I would like to get all the gear linkages replaced and the gear change adjusted to start with, then possibly look at some mounts to help with vibration at the gear stick.

Thanks again

I’d do the engine mounts first. I had a stiff/sloppy change on my last 4. Once the engine mounts were done it took all of the load off the linkage, transformed the gear change.

 

[Padraic]

Hi Padraic,

Hmmm, I am based in the east coast, I would like to get all the gear linkages replaced and the gear change adjusted to start with, then possibly look at some mounts to help with vibration at the gear stick.

Thanks again

Okay, it may be too far away for you. I'm sure there are some ex VW mechanics with their own workshops in your end of the country.

 

[Padraic]

I’d do the engine mounts first. I had a stiff/sloppy change on my last 4. Once the engine mounts were done it took all of the load off the linkage, transformed the gear change.

Yea sounds like a plan, are the engine mounts difficult to replace?

 

[irlcwill]

Thanks all, some good advice ....

 

[Padraic]

Thanks all, some good advice ....

I think the general first fix for this is the lower gearbox mount. Easiest and cheapest to start with. Any garage should be able to do it. Then take it from there.

 

[Padraic]

Despite replacing the pendulum mount I still get a small amount of movement at the gear lever on/off throttle. It may just be the way it is (it has to move a small amount) but I’ll swap them anyway then I know it’s ok.

How is yours? Much movement? Just very gentle on/off throttle whilst holding the gear lever.

I haven't been driving mine much until today, but on a long journey today I did notice a bit of movement when stomping on the trottle to pass out a car. I mimicked it again, by coming off trottle and then back on it. Have you done the top mounts yet? I wonder how big of a job it is?

 

[sidepod]

Nope not yet. Not sure what’s involved. I had them done on my last van. Don’t think they’re cheap plus I’d imagine they’re stiffer on the Red i

I’ll get my man to quote.

 

[Padraic]

Nope not yet. Not sure what’s involved. I had them done on my last van. Don’t think they’re cheap plus I’d imagine they’re stiffer on the Red i

I’ll get my man to quote.

I'm gonna check what is involved and I can let you know. I think that it would be nice to have them done along side the pendulum mount. Should keep things tight for a few years.