Hello John.
Thanks to Vince, (Brake Buster) for his views.
Worry not with these issues. You are now far better placed for info and parts availability than we were when we first set eyes on the S-type.
Straight away I`ll point you to the Forum suspension section. Over the years we have amassed information with pictures that will ease the mystery of running an S-type. May I suggest you look at all the suspension headings to gain an insight into how it all works. The vast majority of possible issues have been discussed previously. Let us know if you wish us to clarify. Also see my appraisal of the car under model headings on the site.
http://www.jec.org.uk/forums/viewforum.php?f=200
Right. "Click-clack" is worn arb to lower wishbone links either end of the car.
"Bonk-thonk" is arb bushes, worn at either end of the car.
Tea trolley handling can be down to worn, torn or de laminated bushes in front top, occasional rare wear lower front wishbone bushes on early cars (later cars, problem more common) or upper rear wishbone bushes. Leaver all bushes to find wear. Check also front track rod ends and rear tie bars which control rear tracking. You will need to examine all bushes and joints to find a worn component.
Lower rear wishbone bushes are more complicated being a special design. Please check the posts on the subject and then we can discuss once you understand the speciality of these units.
We can also advise on wheel bearing issues and lower front ball joint replacements. You will need a bench press to tackle those two items.
My recent partial suspension rebuild is covered in this post. It should give you a feel for what you might have ahead of you.
Throughout these posts I have tried to give costs of parts. My sources are almost always ebay where the best deals are usually to be had. Links to those best price sellers have also been added in some cases.
http://www.jec.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=200&t=8040
Take a look at our previous postings and acquire a feel for your car. That done, you will find the car not too bad to work on.
I know of two garages in Bristol that can reliably work these cars as specialists. Auto Classico in Downend and PJG Autos in Longwell Green.
Most decent garages will be able to assess this car for envisaged work. parts can be removed and refitted with no great difficulty. The chassis design is a Ford! So are many of the parts.
Mike K
