suggesting a modification

macafee2 · 17th March 2013, 14:42

I don't know enough about all the models but this is certainly one for the CDT and I would expect it to be common to other models such as the CDTI.
The Bellows!
They are secured at the front to the slam panel by 3 bolts. The bolts go through the slam panel and into a rubber grommet that is in the Bellow. Within the grommet is a round nut that the bolt goes into.
When tightened the grommet is being forced though the Bellow. I'm not sure how this is being done but the hole for the grommet gets enlarged allowing the grommet to drop through.
My suggestion even if the problem has already happened is to remove the Bellow, bolt and grommet. Remove the nut from within the grommet. Now slide a thin washer onto the grommet. Reinsert the nut in to just the very end of the grommet. Hold another washer onto the underside of the Bellow and reinsert grommet into Bellow and this second washer. Getting the grommet into the washers should be a tight fit as the washers have to go over a hump halfway up the grommet. Screw the bolt in a few turns into the nut and then pull the bolt so the nut is pulled up into the grommet. Remove bolt, re fit Bellow and bolts.

Hope this makes sense.
I have added a few pictures. I have glued a home made washer to the underside of the centre fixing. For the left ad right fixing you have have to make up angled washers as they are so close to the edge. I have shown this i one of the pictures

macafee2

Kiltman · 17th March 2013, 14:45

Bellows, what bellows? (From someone whose done the completely useless air intake mod!)

wuzerk · 17th March 2013, 15:41

A sensible suggestion but, in my experience, the main problem is that the three screws sieze up and cannot be unscrewed.( I had to drill the heads of of mine). It is worth noting that the standard plastic number plate screws are a perfect fit.

James.uk · 17th March 2013, 16:35

No fixings in mine at all, but it doesn't need any coz it can't go anywhere innit...

...

17th March 2013, 15:41	#3
wuzerk Passed Away Rover 75 CDT 03 auto Conn. SE Join Date: May 2009 Location: London Posts: 2,885 Thanks: 104 Thanked 254 Times in 204 Posts	Bellows A sensible suggestion but, in my experience, the main problem is that the three screws sieze up and cannot be unscrewed.( I had to drill the heads of of mine). It is worth noting that the standard plastic number plate screws are a perfect fit.

17th March 2013, 14:45	#2
Kiltman I really should get out more....... MG ZT CDTi 135 / Rover 75 Club SE 160 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Leek Posts: 2,013 Thanks: 235 Thanked 128 Times in 104 Posts	Bellows, what bellows? (From someone whose done the completely useless air intake mod!)

17th March 2013, 16:35	#4
James.uk Passed Away 2002 Pale Blue. Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur auto. 170K miles Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Near the M67. Posts: 14,509 Thanks: 199 Thanked 585 Times in 397 Posts	No fixings in mine at all, but it doesn't need any coz it can't go anywhere innit... ...