Thread: What happened to your D3/D4 today?

Started doing my front lower control arms and got the right hand side done.
Thanks for all the posts on here to give me confidence in doing it. Especially Don (DieselLSE).
All the bolts came out freely, ball joint released with a couple of good whacks.
Only hard part was getting the air strut back in, there was still a lot of pressure even starting with car at access height. I was able to empty the air suspension using my Nanocom and easy then.
Started on the LH side and so far I can't get a good spanner on the rear nut that is covered by the exhaust.
Maybe an offset ring spanner, which of course I don't have but it's raining now anyway.
No hurry to finish as can't drive anywhere at the moment!
Assistance from strong younger one also essential.

Originally Posted by jwb

Started doing my front lower control arms and got the right hand side done.
Thanks for all the posts on here to give me confidence in doing it. Especially Don (DieselLSE).
All the bolts came out freely, ball joint released with a couple of good whacks.
Only hard part was getting the air strut back in, there was still a lot of pressure even starting with car at access height. I was able to empty the air suspension using my Nanocom and easy then.
Started on the LH side and so far I can't get a good spanner on the rear nut that is covered by the exhaust.
Maybe an offset ring spanner, which of course I don't have but it's raining now anyway.
No hurry to finish as can't drive anywhere at the moment!
Assistance from strong younger one also essential.

I use a podger stick for that bolt. I have tools you can borrow if you like. PM me your location. We may be able to meet half way if it's within our 5km limits.

Another weekend in lockdown and another small job on the D3 completed.

As the roof paint is looking faded I am planning to vinyl wrap the rear 3/4 section which will then be hidden under the roof rack.

So to prep the roof, I removed the gutter trims to clean up the channels and found this:




A bit of sunlight and I could probably grow something.

Be warned if planning to remove the gutter trim - the trick to remove the plugs is to get your trim removal tool underneath the head but then don’t pull but rather unscrew the plug.

Of course even knowing this I still manage to twist the head off the last plug which then had to be drilled out.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Sleeping in the back must have gotten old hey, that is a very slim tent.

It was fine sleeping in the rear until I added the drawer fridge. Then it was just too high, and not quite enough room in there. The roof topper is a much better solution now.

Originally Posted by jwb

Started doing my front lower control arms and got the right hand side done.
Thanks for all the posts on here to give me confidence in doing it. Especially Don (DieselLSE).
All the bolts came out freely, ball joint released with a couple of good whacks.
Only hard part was getting the air strut back in, there was still a lot of pressure even starting with car at access height. I was able to empty the air suspension using my Nanocom and easy then.
Started on the LH side and so far I can't get a good spanner on the rear nut that is covered by the exhaust.
Maybe an offset ring spanner, which of course I don't have but it's raining now anyway.
No hurry to finish as can't drive anywhere at the moment!
Assistance from strong younger one also essential.

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

I had enough trouble climbing off the bed in my camper with a belly full of beer. A rooftop tent looks like a recipe for disaster for me

They’re definitely not for everyone.

Originally Posted by DiscoDB

Revitalised the plastic trim with Turtle Wax Jet Black Endura Shine. Applied 3 coats all up to the wheel arches, bumpers, and side trim. Before I started, the wheel arches were a lighter colour than the tyres.

Excellent stuff, works a treat.

Originally Posted by DieselLSE

I use a podger stick for that bolt. I have tools you can borrow if you like. PM me your location. We may be able to meet half way if it's within our 5km limits.

thanks for the offer. I had already ordered one. Good to know I was on the right track.

Originally Posted by DiscoDB

Another weekend in lockdown and another small job on the D3 completed.

As the roof paint is looking faded I am planning to vinyl wrap the rear 3/4 section which will then be hidden under the roof rack.

So to prep the roof, I removed the gutter trims to clean up the channels and found this:




A bit of sunlight and I could probably grow something.

Be warned if planning to remove the gutter trim - the trick to remove the plugs is to get your trim removal tool underneath the head but then don’t pull but rather unscrew the plug.

Of course even knowing this I still manage to twist the head off the last plug which then had to be drilled out.

I pop up that front roof trim edge from time and blast out. You can bend it up enough as that’s where all the grunge sits.

I’m surprised how rust resilient these cars are. I’m yet to read of a rust problem especially in hidden places like this.