[vuk vucinic]

Hi

I have some questions - some might be stupid but here goes.

1. I have standard teledial alloys with 205/55/16 tyres - will 215/55/16 tyres fit

2. just had the thermostat replaced and the fan kicks in, however it turns of off once the ignition is turned off. Is this right?

3. this due to being lazy - with out taking the wheels off is there a way of finding out what size rear dics i have on my 2001 156 sw.
I have looked at a few sites and some say they are 251mm and some say 276mm the car was registered in june 2001.

Thanks in advance

 

[Guest]

215/55/16 will fit but they will change your gear box ratios (taller gearing)
It will so make your speedometer reading incorrect due to the rolling circumference of the tyre 34.56mm extra So when you are driving at 70mph you will actually be doing 71.22mph... Not good if the local police have a speed camera on you.

Your rear brake discs should be 251mm on a june 2001 plate. If in doubt, get two straight sticks, poke them through the wheel holes and hold them against the leading edge of the rear disc. Use a third stick at a right angle to the other two... Mark the positions on the third stick and measure.... Lazy, but it works!

If the fans are on all the time..... There is a radiator fan resistor screwed into the top centre of the radiator... this is probably faulty, either that or the temperature sender unit itself attached to the thermostat housing.
Turning off the ignition with the fans spinning will cut the power to the fans.... This is normal

Oh... BTW.... There is no such thing as a stupid question mate, you either know or you dont!:thumbs:
There is such a thing as a stupid answer though! :lol:

 

[vuk vucinic]

thanks for the response.

The fan comes on at the required time (not on all the time) - just had the thermostat replaced at alfa workshop. I was under the impression the fan cames on to cool the engine and should stay on once the ignmiton is off to bring the temp down?
it seems strange that the fan would only work while car is being driven as you have cold(er) air coming in as the car is on the move but no cold air once the car is stationery.
Like i said i am sure on other cars i have driven the fan will stay on once engine has beenm turned off and car locked.

Looks like i will stick with the correct tyre sizes, its just that i say some cheap ones on pistonheads

 

[Guest]

thanks for the response.

The fan comes on at the required time (not on all the time) - just had the thermostat replaced at alfa workshop. I was under the impression the fan cames on to cool the engine and should stay on once the ignmiton is off to bring the temp down?
it seems strange that the fan would only work while car is being driven as you have cold(er) air coming in as the car is on the move but no cold air once the car is stationery.
Like i said i am sure on other cars i have driven the fan will stay on once engine has beenm turned off and car locked.

Looks like i will stick with the correct tyre sizes, its just that i say some cheap ones on pistonheads

What can I say.... It's an Alfa:lol:

 

[vuk vucinic]

never a more true comment made - but if thats the way it there is nothing i can do other then enjoy driving it

 

[vuk vucinic]

The stick method worked a treat, i do indeed have 251mm discs so i guess i also have the early style pads with the metal clip on top?
Why are things never easy with alfas

http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/images/00077362257-126-1-120.jpg

 

[vuk vucinic]

Ok i may have been hasty but the brakes have been ordered from this site Mintex Brake Pads & Brake Discs for all Makes & Models.
Also ordered some droplinks as i have the ARB to replace. No doubt something else will add itself to the list once this done

 

[Guest]

Drop links look easy but can be difficult to remove mate if they have been on for a while...
If the nuts just spin with the ball joint and you cant get a spanner behind them to secure the ball joint, just don't muck around... It will only frustrate you.... Get the big guns out and get a cutting disc onto the angle grinder and carefully cut the nut off.
Last time I did them it took me 5 minutes to change each side.... I didn't even bother trying to loosen them off, just went in with the grinder:lol:

When you change your rear pads just remember to remove the brake fluid reservior to help with the pistons when winding back to relieve the pressure... Makes life a lot easier:thumbs:

 

[vuk vucinic]

thats some great advice thanks.

I remember the resevoir trick from changing the brakes on my last alfa