Thread: Show stoppers

Originally Posted by wrinklearthur

Not easy but can be done track side, in the absence of a workshop bench and vice.
You will need to use a hammer, a half inch socket set, wheel jack and a sturdy block of wood ( should be carrying those things anyway ).

Pretty much how I do it all the time anyway :-) did not have a vice at home for a long time

I'm going to upset a few people here but anyway.....if someone feels the need to carry half the stuff mentioned in this thread, they probably shouldn't go with that vehicle as it is.

If there is that much doubt about the longivity of master cylinders, shocks, unis, brakes then why not change them before you go?
Even if a serviceable shock breaks it isnt a show stopper.

IMO, hoses,clamps, belts, oil, water, a wheel bearing kit, tools, a tube of "Silastic" and an Epoxy "quick metal", cable ties, electrical tape, fuses, is enough for most trips anywhere in Oz with a suitably maintained vehicle.

your right Strangy
But no mater how new or well serviced , things will fail .

Find a vehicle that never breaks down ?

First rule of long distance remote travel is to avoid being on your own (single vehicle). Not always possible, but if you need all the spares listed on the previous posts you have to question the condition and suitability of your car...

IMO you just want the vehicle to get going again until you reach somewhere semi civilised to do proper repairs, and as we live in the 21st century this means anywhere you can receive a parcel.

A 300 Tdi would only need the spares that would stop it dead in it's tracks. A serpentine belt, spare water pump, a spare fuel filter and that's about it. Add the usual cable ties, glue, mastic, wire, jubelee clips etc and you should make it to the next post office.

I'm with Strangie on the pre-trip service on top of a well maintained service regime. Driving a Puma is a different prospect (I have one, so I'm allowed to say that!) and I know nothing about petrol Defenders, but the question was asked about a 300Tdi specifically. They are tough enough to have a temporary fix in the bush until you get to somewhere you can assess the damage and make appropriate arrangements for repair.

Originally Posted by newhue

just a different spin on it. If you are going to buy all these parts and carry them for spares, why not replace all those parts before you go and travel lighter by leaving the old parts behind. If you have done your homework well before you go, chances are very small new parts will fail out past tim buck too, or at all.

This in some cases is a bad idea.... the amount of people who change stuff before trips only to have the replacement fail, or not be fitted properly is way too high....

I tend to carry too much stuff, but the only thing i have ever needed in the last 3 long distance trips I have done, was a radiator due to damage.. and I didn't have one of those.

I do try and keep on top of maintenance though and change stuff pretty much straight away if I am not sure about it.

On top of Loubreys comments definetely also take a wheel bearing.. if they fail, you are in trouble. Also silicone sealant can fix a lot of stuff. It got us 200km in fnq filling up a fist sized hole in the radiator

Originally Posted by Josh_WA

Yeah good point.... we could almost have a uses of fencing wire thread, it would be almost endless.

As you wish !

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread...73#post1641273

Originally Posted by Psimpson7

.... the amount of people who change stuff before trips only to have the replacement fail, or not be fitted properly is way too high....

What The !!!

Well whats the point of carrying said spares in the first place if they are just going to fail once you use them ???

Im going away on an extended 12 month round oz trip in my 05 TD5 Defender in May / June. Im going over the whole car and replacing / upgrading everything that might need doing in the next 50,000 klm / 12 months.

Change the stuff you think will need doing NOW , before you go, and if they do fail before you go then you will be glad you can fix them now and know how to do it yourself.

No point weighing your truck down with spares, In 30+ years of trips Ive learned its a waste of money / space / weight and time taking a spare parts shop with you. Prepare your truck properly, there is a HUGE difference between Roadworthy and Bushworthy

In the case of a properly prepared vehicle there is only a handful of bits you will need to carry.

In the event you break something you didn't anticipate take a Sat Phone & a list of regional Airport FBO's tell them your going to get a part delivered and can they drop it off to your gps co-ords, might cost a grand or so but could save your life.

300tdi show stoppers.
The real show stoppers are engine no go up&down or wheels no go round&round?

Round&Round
-300tdis have an R80 gear bag. Pull off the PTO cover plate and check the gear bag main shaft for wear. If its worn replace the input gear with a drilled gear & contemplate changing out the main shaft (I wouldn't bother).

-Wheel bearings as mentioned above pretty important. Carry spares and seals. May as well fix it properly and not need to do it again.

Engine up&down
-The only ancillary you cant bodge along without for long is the waterpump. Problem is the serpentine belt relies on stable bearings and pulleys on the alternator and PS pump. Sooo, just carry some idler bearings (3204), a waterpump and a shorter belt that runs water pump off crank & idler. If/when the PS pump dies or alternator dies, shorten up the belt and keep moving. If the water pump dies well you have a spare.

- Its also not a stupid idea to carry a timing belt and a couple of pushrods and rocker arms. Bugger all weight wise and if you or another 300tdi pops its rubber band chances are a new belt and a couple of rods/arms will get you moving. This is one where I am happy with used bits. If I ever have to do a trackside t-belt repair I would definitely revisit the timing case once I get to a workshop.


The problem with changing out stuff for new before leaving is that with the quality control of "new" parts there is never a guarantee that a new part wont fail. If I could be bothered I could start a list of "new" parts that failed soon after correct fitting from timing belts to water pumps to suspension bushes.

I carry a lot of tools and workshop supplies and find myself helping others out more often than not.

I am happy to do this and ALWAYS feel useless the times we decide to have a last minute weekend up the cape. Pretty much swags, engel and fishing gear - stripped down tool kit but not long range setup. Then sure enough you come across old mate who you could have helped if only you had all the gear onboard?

Live and learn, carry a tow rope!

My opinions anyways.

Steve