The DS3

[DeeTurbo]

Today I changed the oil, filters, took a look at the suspension and did a small bodge on the exhaust bracket.

I drove the car to work so the engine and its oil was nice and warm for draining. On arrival I jacked the car up, supported it on axle stands and drained the oil.

While the oil was draining I started to have a look at the suspension as there was a knocking over uneven ground. I had a look on the guide posted here in Bigfeet's File Repository and I found that the top mounts hadn't been aligned correctly, I had my suspicions yesterday.

This is how they should be aligned.



This is how I found them when I removing the top nut and shield.



I removed the ARB drop link and found them to be shot to



I dropped the strut a little and I was able to adjust the top mount to the correct alignment.

 

It's silly there isn't a pin sticking up from the top mount to allow correct alignment.

I secured the struts back to the car and replaced the ARB drop links.



I was surprised that the original drop links were made of aluminium. Sadly the TRW ones are steel. 

Next I did a little bodge on the front exhaust bracket, I was told by the seller that the bracket had been welded when he had the springs replaced. In the summer I'll be removing the exhaust to weld properly.





When I was viewing the car I noticed the number plate lights seemed to be a bit hit and miss. One minute one was out the next the other. I found the element in the bulb was broken and floating about so I replaced them both with some nice but expensive Philips WhiteVision, expensive as in £5 for the two instead of 30p per bulb for the standard ones. I did think about getting LED replacements but I had the Philips spare.

I also gave the lens a quick clean as they were filthy.







While I was doing the other jobs the oil was left draining. I find it crazy how the drain plug is recessed in to the sump. On others it's always been the lowest point.

I replaced the oil filter and air filter.

The oil filter looked to be a poor quality one, you can see that there arem't as many pleats so less surface area to filter the oil.



The air filter didn't have the sponge prefilter element to keep the big bit out the main paper element.



I didn't have the motivation to replace the brake disc and pads, they are low but ok for now. I thought I'd leave them for another day and I'll strip down the calipers for a thorough check, I'll clean off the rust and give the a lick of paint.

After the works were complete I gave the engine bay and scuttle area a quick clean.

Engine bay is looking a lot better now but no photos as I needed to get to the shops before they shut.

I didn't change the fuel filter because of the state of the bay and I didn't want to risk getting dirt in the fuel system. I'll replace the filter at some point during the week.