ali66

Hi Car didn't make it back from Scotland! It was losing coolant on the way back so decided to call my breakdown company to get it relayed back home. Have had the undertray off but no signs of a leak - the coolant loss is definitely coming from the expansion tank - this only seems to be the case if driving - I've had the car idling on the driveway up to running temp but the coolant doesn't escape when just idling. I've taken the expansion cap off and brought the engine up to operating temp but there doesn't appear to be any bubbles coming into the expansion tan and it doesn't boil over. I have purchased a new expansion cap today and fitted it but this doesn't stop the problem. The heating works fine in the front vents but only cool air comes out of the rear vents. The car is an 02 plate 1.9 TDi Zetec Mk11 If the run on pump has gone would it cause the problem I have ? Any help appreciated

Topped oil , coolant etc prior to a 400 mile journey to Glasgow yesterday - driving around today the coolant light came on after only driving half a mile or so - had to top up with 1L of water and then drove 4/5 miles and purchased some radweld plus and added this in - have done a couple of 4-5 mile journeys since and coolant level doesn’t seem to have dropped - due to drive the 400 mile return journey tomorrow but bit concerned about this happening on the motorway - any suggestions or advice appreciated

Thanks again for your help - I did get a brake spanner but the wrong one!! Ended up using an open ended 11mm and the nut came came off the end of the flexi pipe without a problem - changed the caliper, disc and pads and bled the system - couple of issues - I split the rubber gaiter at the end of the handbrake cable so will have to replace that. Also when I took it for a test drive the brake warning light and sound kept coming on periodically - I think brake fluid may be a little low - I had checked and it was just above minimum - I didn't top up because it was so difficult to access - have found a large syringe so will top up tomorrow with that.

OK - I've taken the old caliper off and hung it up - I was intending to cut the old flexi (I've got a clamp on it near to the union) and take the caliper away to give me space to work. My only concern is separating the old flexi from the rigid pipe - I've attached a photo - it looks a mess - will it be wise to get a brake pipe spanner before trying to loosen it. I'm soaking it overnight in penetrating spray. Will the nut on the rigid just screw onto the end of the flexi hose - I assume I won't need to turn the flexi hose to get a tight fit. Thanks again

OK - I gave up and bought a new flexi hose - hints and tips on best way to disconnecting old flexi pipe from rigid brake pipe and reconnecting new one - should I do that first before winding on the new caliper and how do I stop air getting into the system when disconnecting the old flexi pipe

Hi I'm having to replace rear offside caliper - I'm struggling to disconnect it from the brake hose - any tips on the best way - I've spent a couple of hours on it but I can't get any movement - I'm assuming the rigid pipe screws into the caliper - I've never removed a caliper from this car so not 100% on how it's done.

Thanks - I've got the wind back tool from doing the pads on my Honda Jazz so all set.

Evening all Looking at replacing rear discs and pads on 02 plate 1.9 TDI - I can get the lot from ECP for £42 - Eicher - has anyone used this brand and are they reliable - any common problems replacing rear discs and pads ? I can see a walkthrough in the technical section for front change but not for rear. Thanks

Evening Purchased a 2002 Galaxy MKII 1.9 TDI Zetec last year - it came with old receipts for work carried out - the cambelt had been changed together with the water pump and alternator belt at 92299 in May 2014 - mileage is currently 130000 - when does the cambelt need changing again? There seems to be conflicting figures between 40k and 60k - any help appreciated

Had knocking sound develop - tried rocking car as suggested and seemed to isolate it to nearside - purchased drop links from ECP - a pair for £18 - quoted £90 from Ford - had a go this afternoon - managed to get top bolt undone but struggled with the bottom one, couldn't get the bloody tyre off to help get more space because the lockable wheel bolt wasn't budging - whipped it down to local tyre garage who sorted the wheel bolt and put it up on hydraulic jack and had the bottom bolt off in seconds and whipped the new drop link on - they also fixed my engine undershield that I'd broke trying to get bottom bolt off! - charged me £15 and I drove off with not a sound from the nearside - chuffed with that - would have liked to have completed it myself but glad its sorted. As always thanks to this site for providing the solutions.