[djlosmi]

Cleaned the MAP on my GT JTD.
I don't know how but I had no issues whatsoever with the car like this since I owned it for almost 3 years now...

 

[djlosmi]

Out with the old, in with the new. 30 seconds job on the back of a GT.

 

[djlosmi]

Out with the old, in with the new. 30 seconds job on the back of a GT.
View attachment 934937

View attachment 934938

Epic fail. It fell off after first short drive
Luckily the Chinese sell them in pair, so the I used black silicone on the edges and super glue in the middle for the other one. But this other one has a paint chip on it Soo, I'll probably swap with the newer version silver logo when this falls off

 

[djlosmi]

I have no idea about the red color honestly.
I am just able to tell the difference between "old" badge with golden elements and the new with the silver background

https://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/alfa_romeo_2015_logo.jpg

Whoops, yeah brakes always seem to last long until something brakes. Good thing you spotted it on time

 

[djlosmi]

New front brakes - went with Ferodo premier discs and pads. Should be fine for daily driving.
Couldn't believe how bad the inside of the old discs were. Pretty simple and such a satisfying job.

 

[djlosmi]

Nice, what a difference!!
I'm also waiting for my new brakes, I'll change them myself for the first time. I ordered Brembo for disks and pads, let's see how it goes, it seems simple.

I used this video as a reference.

Make sure to clean the hub nicely once you get the old discs off. Good luck

 

[djlosmi]

My inner CV axle joint failed completely on my long trip way home, car was shaking so much as it got worse.
Lucky I managed to arrive home slowly.

I replaced the whole side driveshaft and while at it the lower wishbone (upper was changed recently).

Not a terribly hard job If you have an access to lift / channel in the ground in the garage.
I was surprised that gearbox oil started leaking when pulling out the old driveshaft. Previous research showed both possible outcomes

All went well, card drives fine now. Wheel aliment remaining. All in all nice DIY and satisfying job!
Attaching couple of pictures. Cheers!

 

[djlosmi]

It seems to, yes.
In my case the inner cross joint was changed ~20k miles before - but it seems that the boot failed due to the metal clamp being over tightened.

And this inner joint failing is pretty common on 147 /156 /GT's with 110kw due to bad design...

 

[djlosmi]

Winter prep > cleaned the Inner wheel arches, under the mud guards (if that's what they are called).
There was at least 1KG of dirt and bolts were almost seized, so it has never been done before for sure.
The whole cavities were full completely of compacted dirt.

I was super impressed that there was no rust inside considering that the dirt was compacted and wet just sitting there! There was only little bit of rust on the surface where the bodywork is constantly pounded by the road grime and rocks.
Alfa just got a big + in my book for bodywork quality and protection. 🐍

Also added wax spray protection after cleaning. Rust convertor and paint on the corroded bits as well.
And a big recommendation for doing this if you have not before. Cheers!

 

[djlosmi]

Yeah, that's when it happens to me as well. I learned to live with it to be honest. I can't be bothered to solder the wires and all that.

You can use zip ties on the connectors, I did it like this 4 years ago and never had a problem since.

 

[djlosmi]

Currently in the process of DIY cambelt (and aux belt) change.
Had issues with a bolt on the aux idler and water pump.

Good timing for replacement it seems, every part I took of was worn out, event if the set only has ~40.000 km.
Plus the timing belt was loose (incorrect tensioner arrow position).
Sending pics of failing water pump. SKF is supposed to be good, but unlikely it seems...

But I managed to snap the timing belt idler bolt while bolting it on - with a "torque wrench".
Waiting for Monday to get some bolt extractors or a mechanic who can extract it so I can continue my "DIY".
Wish me luck! 😇

 

[djlosmi]

Confusing your ft-lbs with your Nm?

Nope. I set it to 50nm. The wrench is a cheapo one and 45nm is it's minimal value. It's only good for wheel bolts most likely :/

 

[djlosmi]

Managed to take the alternator off for replacing the pulley, pig of a job to take the alternator out!
Discovered that the bearings are also shut.
If anyone know the alternator bearings codes, I'd appreciate it!
It's a JTD 16v, Denso 120A code 46748353.

New pulley ready to go.

 

[djlosmi]

I got tired of looking the rusty old discs in the rear, so I changed the rear pads (TRW cotec) and Comline coated discs.
Slapped on the AR stickers while I was there Also painted black the protective shield behind the discs.

 

[djlosmi]

So I bought a inner CV boot for my GT JTD which I'm planning to replace and post here - but I'm surprised there is a small <1mm whole in it in the narrow part.

It that by design or a failed part?

 

[djlosmi]

Changed the upper wishbone and stabilizer link. Not a pretty photo but hey...
No more knocking and squealing for the first time finally - very pleased how the GT drives and feels now.
Also changed all 6 exhaust mounts - rubber bits, they actually squeaked a lot before.

 

[djlosmi]

Did a service on my GT JTD, this time with the most quality parts I could get my hands on (in Serbia).

Discovered Millers Trident 5w-40 (I don't have DPF), which claims to be "fully synthetic", funny enough made in the UK
Engine is at least 20% quieter, which is something I never ever noticed on any oil change, so seems promising.

Tip if someone does not know: on these jtd 16v engines, you can take off the oil cooler pipes and drain additional 0.5L of old oil. This way you actually use all of 5L of the can you buy - no money wasted there 😁

I've been using the car a lot more on long journeys (650 miles in one day), and I'm loving the car even more - especially on the fast twisty parts. Just a reminder for everyone on how good of a fast cruiser car a GT actually is 😄

Cheers!

 

[djlosmi]

You don't actually need to use any heat resistant pain on the calipers, any spray can will do the job as long as the surface is prepped properly. Calipers don't go that hot anyway any well prepped painted surface will stay that way for long time. Talking from personal experience on multiple cars.

 

[djlosmi]

Nice! I would also change those old worn out tires before anything else...

 

[djlosmi]

Replaced the outer tie rod end. It's pretty straightforward - unless the nut securing it is stuck shut!
Couple of minutes with a blowtorch and a hammer combo - hey presto it's off!

Went for a Germany made Meyle as I couldn't find anything better (TRW).

Other side is on for Saturday - I hope it get's easier than this one