forfour.co.uk

Forum => General Smart Chat => Topic started by: CrazyG on April 21, 2020, 09:40:03 AM

Title: ESSENTIAL maintenance - Now is the time to check this out
Post by: CrazyG on April 21, 2020, 09:40:03 AM
At this moment in time it is now the ideal oppurtunity for every
454 owner to do a simple check AND THEN to carry out what
really is an essential piece of maintenance on one small item
of your car.

With cars getting little if any use due to the lockdown, and with
with the warmer and dryer (we all hope) weather on it's way there
is one small electrical item on your 454 will get even less useage...
but it will cost you if it doesn't work when you do eventually need it.

I'm talking about the rear tailgate wiper motor !
They can, do, and will seize at some time of their life due to the
very nature of the parts that MB Smart used to make them out of.
B U T...
a bit of simple maintenence, this seizure point can be avoided,
and it doesn't take long, and will save you buying a new unit.

Here's the link to what to do, even if your's works at the moment !
https://www.forfour.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2858.0

If you find your rear wiper motor is no longer working then here's
a link to buy a brand new one (or to keep one as a future 'spare'):-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WISCHERMOTOR-HECKWISCHERMOTOR-HINTEN-SMART-FOR-FOUR/371994776733?hash=item569c9dd49d:g:aSYAAOSwTfBdn6NV
At the price they're asking these are under 50% what MB want !

(one thing to be aware of on ebay...for any part that you
 do find, ensure that it IS exactly the same part or unit that you want.
 Some pictures used are only 'representations' and not the actual item....
 So be careful, double check or ask the seller ok.

The link above is for the right part...I've checked.

Title: Re: ESSENTIAL maintenance - Now is the time to check this out
Post by: Problemchild on April 21, 2020, 06:17:59 PM
Defo a good time to learn to service your car yourself :)

Even if it’s just an oil change :)

Euro car parts still selling and delivering

JJ
Title: Re: ESSENTIAL maintenance - Now is the time to check this out
Post by: Brabs on April 21, 2020, 08:12:16 PM
Top tip there G. I’ve also lubricated the door locks and hinges as they are also likely to seize up if not used much.  ;)
Title: Re: ESSENTIAL maintenance - Now is the time to check this out
Post by: Problemchild on April 23, 2020, 12:07:45 AM
Ooooh yes - time to do the door cables again ;)

JJ
Title: Re: ESSENTIAL maintenance - Now is the time to check this out
Post by: jmariog on April 23, 2020, 04:21:00 AM
Ok two questions. First is there any thing I can spray on CV boots and suspension bushes to make them last longer . And secondly what can I spray on things like boot ,or door hinges to get the last 10 years build-up of white grease off.
Title: Re: ESSENTIAL maintenance - Now is the time to check this out
Post by: CrazyG on April 23, 2020, 10:12:43 AM
The only problem with spraying anything onto the likes of
CV boots and suspension bushes is that invariably it will
be a lubricant of some sort, but the problem with that is
that dirt and muck etc will then stick to it which will then
accelerate any wear as it is not normally absorbed into
the materials.
I do know that for door seals the best thing to use is a
silicone spray, which is absorbed into the 'rubber'...so
perhaps that is the most appropriate thing to use.
(Unless JJ can tell us what the MoD use on their equipment)

As for removing the build up of many years of spraying
of white grease....why not try brake caliper cleaner or
carburettor cleaner both of which are available in aerosols.
Neither product should damage the paintwork...but as always
check it on a small area first.
Judicious use of those is called for...together with plenty of
rags etc to mask off other areas and to 'catch' the inevitable
mess that will occur as the old grease drips/drops off.
Obviously you should allow the now cleaned off area time to
dry off via evaporation (or wiping with cloth or whatever) before
applying a new dose of white grease, ok.
Title: Re: ESSENTIAL maintenance - Now is the time to check this out
Post by: jmariog on April 23, 2020, 10:22:29 AM
Thanks G
Title: Re: ESSENTIAL maintenance - Now is the time to check this out
Post by: Problemchild on April 23, 2020, 12:17:57 PM
Did the door cables today - took 10mins to do :)

(https://i.imgur.com/fWmSiWM.jpg)

And this is what I’m still using - will last longer than I will last

(https://i.imgur.com/d0gNJE6.jpg)

JJ