MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => General => Topic started by: 11891952 on January 13, 2021, 16:32

Title: Things to check?
Post by: 11891952 on January 13, 2021, 16:32
Hey,

Having recently acquired a roadster, and not owned one of these before, is there anything in particular is should be looking at straight away?

I'm told the pre-cats are no longer there, and the chain tensioner o-ring has already been replaced (will try to get a borescope in there just to make sure).  The rear cross-member looks solid and rust free (as does most of the rest of it), handbrake seems to be working as it's supposed to.  What am I missing?

Ta, Joe.
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: Joesson on January 13, 2021, 16:39
@11891952

Tyres, of course and pressures and very importantly, the radiator condition. They seem to deteriorate at the rear left hand  bottom corner, a position that you won't see without removing the frunk plastics.
While under their you can also check the steering UJ and the power steering system, particularly the pipes.
You will likely find the underside of the ABS unit support bracket has corroded away. I believe a replacement bracket is not readily available and I made some repairs to mine.
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: 1979scotte on January 13, 2021, 16:41
Quote from: Joesson on January 13, 2021, 16:39@11891952

Tyres, of course and ,very importantly, the radiator condition. They seem to deteriorate at the rear left hand corner, a position that you won't see without removing the frunk plastics.
While under their you can also check the steering UJ and the power steering system, particularly the pipes.
You will likely find the underside of the ABS unit support bracket has corroded away. I believe a replacement bracket is not readily available and I made some repairs to mine.

You didn't mention the rear subframe Tony especially where it is crossed by the exhaust. By far the most dangerous mr2 issue.

There is a buyers guide that has all pertinent points.
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: Joesson on January 13, 2021, 16:44
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 13, 2021, 16:41
Quote from: Joesson on January 13, 2021, 16:39@11891952

Tyres, of course and ,very importantly, the radiator condition. They seem to deteriorate at the rear left hand corner, a position that you won't see without removing the frunk plastics.
While under their you can also check the steering UJ and the power steering system, particularly the pipes.
You will likely find the underside of the ABS unit support bracket has corroded away. I believe a replacement bracket is not readily available and I made some repairs to mine.

You didn't mention the rear subframe Tony especially where it is crossed by the exhaust. By far the most dangerous mr2 issue.

There is a buyers guide that has all pertinent points.

The OP is aware of the cross member. Not many mention the radiator and fewer the ABS bracket.
We are not all ( necessarily and with good reason) paranoid about our cross members.
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: 11891952 on January 13, 2021, 16:59
Thanks for the quick replies.  I was planning on taking the frunk plastics out later (having now managed to get the seized spare wheel clamp out) to attempt to move the alarm, so will check rad, steering system, and ABS bracket while I'm there.
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: 11891952 on January 14, 2021, 09:20
Well it wasn't all bad.  Managed to get the alarm moved without too much trouble, and the steering system, and ABS bracket look okay.  The rad on the other hand is quite tired, as is the condenser.  Having just been reading up about condensers that might be fun to find! ::)
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: shnazzle on January 14, 2021, 09:25
Nobody references the Buyer's Guide anymore... 

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=56499.0

:)
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: 1979scotte on January 14, 2021, 09:29
Quote from: shnazzle on January 14, 2021, 09:25Nobody references the Buyer's Guide anymore...

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=56499.0

:)

I did mention it just didn't link it.
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: shnazzle on January 14, 2021, 10:29
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 14, 2021, 09:29
Quote from: shnazzle on January 14, 2021, 09:25Nobody references the Buyer's Guide anymore...

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=56499.0

:)

I did mention it just didn't link it.
Ah so you did. Many apologies grasshoppa
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: Gaz mr-s on January 14, 2021, 12:05
Quote from: 11891952 on January 14, 2021, 09:20Well it wasn't all bad.  Managed to get the alarm moved without too much trouble, and the steering system, and ABS bracket look okay.  The rad on the other hand is quite tired, as is the condenser.  Having just been reading up about condensers that might be fun to find! ::)

I've no experience of buying one, but the go-to place for Toyota or pattern parts is https://www.tcbparts.co.uk/   ....an Affiliate on here.

Or if you want to try used join the UK MR2 Roadster Owners on Facebook, - there are several Breakers.
Title: Re: Things to check?
Post by: 11891952 on January 14, 2021, 15:51
Thanks for the link to the buyers guide, I remembered to check most of it before actually agreeing to buy the vehicle. :))  But always useful to know what to keep an eye out for!

And I'll drop TCB a line and see what they say, thanks again.