Search results

Funnily enough I was thinking along those lines but hadn't considered the washers. I reckon that if I oblong the holes by 1mm towards the centre then it might be ok. The backplates will be securely fixed to the suspension arm - there's no centrifugal force to consider - all of the braking force...

An update from Torphichen - the AX backplates aren't a fit after all - the mounting holes are slightly further out than the originals - by about 2 mm. My first reaction was to be scunnered - this is a good old Scottish word, the equivalent of 'pi**ed off' - after the thought crossed my mind that...

So, having purchased cylinders and shoes on the basis that these were Girling brakes - having as they do the Girling lip on the backplates (Water drain aperture in Haynes-speak - pages 288 and 289 in Chapter 12 have the relevant diagrams) - closer inspection has now revealed that the AX...

Finally made a start on the backplate replacement but was puzzled by what appeared after removal of the hub. It's definitely a Girling backplate but the shoes and adjuster don't seem to correspond with the relevant diagrams in Haynes. They do seem to fit a pre-83 diagram in the Peter Hussek...

I haven't found time to fit the new backplates yet but I expect it's going to be a battle with rusted bolts. My experience of workarounds is that the smaller socket can work well - sometimes too well, for example on my son's VW's locking wheelnuts after he managed to lose the key socket...

I've done a couple on mine just using tyre levers and motorcycle tyre lubricant (both from eBay) - really easy - and breaking the bead was also easy thanks to a short piece of wood, and a long piece to give the required leverage using my Land Rover towbar as the pivot. Mmmm - probably needs a...

David, I can see your houses from mine!

An update and it's good news. While Renault UK no longer stock these backplates I managed to source some identical items from good old eBay, but intended for certain models of the Citroen AX, another petite French icon - I owned one a few years ago and now regret having sold it. Thanks for...

Just this one. The other is solid all round.

One very rusty backplate - not nice. The source of my problem. Beyond restoration. :(

An update - it's definitely Girling backplates that are involved here. Unfortunately Renault UK no longer supply them - confirmed by Lifestyle Renault from where George Thomson retired over a year ago (ref. the link on the Parts page). Assuming that the search will now take me across the Channel...

Well I thought that mine's were Girling because the front are definitely Girling but now it's difficult to tell what they are - there is a hint of a flare but bits are missing due to rust (hence the need to find replacements). I think that I'll need to pull the hub off to be sure. Thanks for the...

Good question! I'll have to consult Haynes.:cool:

Anyone recommend a source for rear brake backplates for my 86 GTL? (Girling brakes).

Thanks - useful information. There must be another make that has a similar distance between the headrest legs. Any suggestions? I used to have a SAAB 96 that had wide headrests but aren't many of them left on the road.

Can anyone suggest a source of headrests for the R4? I feel very vulnerable without them. And the seats already have mounting points. What about Croatia? Was over there in May - lots of active R4s and many with headrests.

I reckon that you can see this site on Google Earth - the clue is on uTube. I could do with a pair of headlights.

Thanks, Malcolm. I'll give it a try - I like to track my cars' consumptions so a working odometer is nearly a must - but not if it means a new unit.

Thanks. I won't worry about it then.

My R4's speedo works but not the odometer. Any suggestions? Repairable or down to a new instrument unit? Is this an MOT criterion?