FORD CAPRI

Capri Pinto
1
Steering and suspension
Scrutinise the Macpherson strut tops and
inner wing structures from above and below.
Check the shock absorbers for leaks and bounciness
and the springs for deterioration or damage.
Check bushes and ball-joints for play/deterioration.
2
Wheel bearings
Spin the front wheels and feel for roughness,
indicating bearing wear. Rock the wheels to check
for play in the bearings – it should be just detectable.
Adjust the bearings if it’s excessive. Prise of the dust
cap and lubricate with wheel bearing grease.
3
Brake hydraulics
Examine the master cylinder, fixed pipework
and flexi-hoses for leaks, damage or deterioration.
Make sure the servo’s working and that its vacuum
hose is sound. Top up the brake fluid if necessary.
Renew the fluid every two years or 24,000 miles.
TECH
TIP
Look closely for
corrosion around
all suspension
mounts.
4
Front brakes
Inspect with the front wheels removed.
Check the discs for warping, excessive grooving and
corrosion, and the pads for wear. Investigate the
cause of uneven wear. Renew ailing components in
axle sets. Ensure the calipers are securely attached.
5
Rear suspension
Examine the leaf springs for cracks, corrosion
and sagging. Use a long bar to check for excessive
play in the spring eye bushes. Inspect the rear shock
absorbers for leaks and bounciness. Check the
anti-roll bar and its bushes for deterioration.
6
Rear brakes
Remove the brake drum (tap it against the
hub with a copper mallet to free it of, if necessary).
Peel back the cylinder dust seals to check for leaks
or seized pistons. Check the shoes for wear and the
drums for scoring. Investigate uneven wear.
TECH
TIP
Early cars have
handbrake adjusters
on both the primary
and transverse
cables.
7 Handbrake
Sparingly apply brake lubricant or copper
grease to the self-adjuster mechanism.
Lubricate handbrake linkages with engine oil.
Apply handbrake to operate the self-adjusters.
Adjust cable so the brake is fully on after four clicks.
8
Gearbox oil
Manual gearbox: top up to the base of the
filler aperture with SAE 80 EP; drain and refill every
24,000 miles if a drain plug is fitted. Capacities vary
between models. Automatic gearbox: check fluid
level (consult handbook); top up with ATF.
Don’t forget
9
Steering rack
and column
Rock the wheel and check for play in the rack and
track-rod ends. Inspect the track-rod and rack
gaiters. Check the steering column supports and
couplings for excessive movement.
10
Driveline mountings
Assess the state of the engine and
gearbox mounts, especially if they are
oil-soaked (in which case, cure the leaks!).
Renew any that are soft or split.
11
Fuel system
Examine the tank, pipework and
connectors for corrosion, insecurity and leaks.
12
Other aspects
Lubricate all bodywork hinges and
catches using engine oil or aerosol grease.
Wipe of excess lubricant. Check the tracking.
➽
To subscribe to PC go to www.greatmagazines.co.uk
PRACTICAL CLASSICS // FORD CAPRI GUIDE 2015 97