Excellent work from Lates.

Roverite · 29th June 2014, 14:18

I have just returned from my third trip to Lates ([email protected]). I have been collecting new OE parts for future use, but decided to have them fitted now at 71,000 miles, as they should last the rest of my 'driving' lifetime and I will get the benifit. None of the parts were at MOT failure point, but the improvement has been significant. Lates and Pete replaced all four road springs, front lower wishbones and mountings, plus the top strut mounting assemblies, all in about two hours. The labour charge was very reasonable and their work ethic and knowledge are second to none; they make it look easy, which it isn't.

One tip that might help anybody replacing the front springs, is regarding the insulator at the bottom of the spring, basically a split piece of plastic tube, that has a habit of 'popping' out. New ones from Rimmers are over £15 each, plus carriage! As an improved sustitute, I used 12mm, white/opaque, plastic 'spiral wrap' (for tidying electric cables) from Maplins, at less than £5 for a large bagfull. It is more durable that the OE type and it 'clings' better because it wraps around the coil.

My 70 mile ride home was much improved; the road holding and steering are more precise and the quietness of the suspension is totally silent, even over the roughest roads, whereas before there were light 'rattle' noises over very bad surfaces.

My first visit was for new matal brake pipes and flexies, as previously mentioned on here. My second visit was to have new front discs and pads fitted, plus a new OE thermostat (a big job), and PCV filter.

If you are within travelling distance of Lates (Coventry/Daventry), I would not hesitate in recommending them for jobs on R40; they have ramps and all the equipment needed to do a proper job, plus their working knowledge of R40, which is often sadly lacking at non-specialist garages.

Roverite.

29th June 2014, 14:18	#1
Roverite Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Telford Posts: 1,083 Thanks: 653 Thanked 307 Times in 159 Posts	Excellent work from Lates. I have just returned from my third trip to Lates ([email protected]). I have been collecting new OE parts for future use, but decided to have them fitted now at 71,000 miles, as they should last the rest of my 'driving' lifetime and I will get the benifit. None of the parts were at MOT failure point, but the improvement has been significant. Lates and Pete replaced all four road springs, front lower wishbones and mountings, plus the top strut mounting assemblies, all in about two hours. The labour charge was very reasonable and their work ethic and knowledge are second to none; they make it look easy, which it isn't. One tip that might help anybody replacing the front springs, is regarding the insulator at the bottom of the spring, basically a split piece of plastic tube, that has a habit of 'popping' out. New ones from Rimmers are over £15 each, plus carriage! As an improved sustitute, I used 12mm, white/opaque, plastic 'spiral wrap' (for tidying electric cables) from Maplins, at less than £5 for a large bagfull. It is more durable that the OE type and it 'clings' better because it wraps around the coil. My 70 mile ride home was much improved; the road holding and steering are more precise and the quietness of the suspension is totally silent, even over the roughest roads, whereas before there were light 'rattle' noises over very bad surfaces. My first visit was for new matal brake pipes and flexies, as previously mentioned on here. My second visit was to have new front discs and pads fitted, plus a new OE thermostat (a big job), and PCV filter. If you are within travelling distance of Lates (Coventry/Daventry), I would not hesitate in recommending them for jobs on R40; they have ramps and all the equipment needed to do a proper job, plus their working knowledge of R40, which is often sadly lacking at non-specialist garages. Roverite.