today was sump drop day

[pompey]

Thanks to all the helpful info on these forums and a few other sites (and my mate, Dan) I successfully completed my first sump drop today!

It was a long day but it went well. Amazingly the sump came out easily without the need to move the transmission. It was also pretty clean with no sludging but I'm still glad I did it just to be sure.

Here's how clean it was before I put it back on.

[mikeloadsasaabs]

Looking good! At least you now have peace of mind, although sludge in the sump seems to be less of a discussion topic these days.

My Aero's has never been dropped, but has always had 6000 oil & filter changes, and is currently sitting at on 224,000. I shan't be bothering now!

[nine-fiver]

You would think that, and certainly it is logical. But...! My Aero had a little sludge, and it surprised me. After a short motor was installed, dealer service before I got it, and only 45,000km old at the time. I serviced it and always used the best fully synth oil I could find. Lots of forum action on good brands and value from me on that topic. I did the PCV update kit, changed oil every 10,000km. Yes, I dropped it to get peace of mind, and was glad I did. Messy and time consuming, and was looking for future proofing. That engine lives on in another car now. I miss that car more than i might admit. Every Day.

[pompey]

Strange thing... Since doing the sump drop a few days ago there is now an occasional odd squeaking, almost honking sound, most noticeably when turning left. I'm wondering if it could be the exhaust mounts rubbing a bit and will investigate further at the weekend but could having the car up on axle stands for about 7hrs have aggravated something like a dodgy shock or wheel bearing? Even though it was on stands there were bricks under the front wheels too (safety first!).

Perhaps it's the wheel liner/under cover that I removed.

[sgould]

The arch liner would be favourite.  They do sort of "honk" if the wheel touches them.  At least our old 9-3 did this on full lock...

[pompey]

Spot the numpty!

I had a spare 15mins this evening so I jacked up front driver's side and removed the wheel.

What do I see? Well I'll tell you.

I see that I was an impatient numpty relying on brute force and ignorance when replacing the liner as the part that goes over the CV joint was bent downwards and was rubbing on the CV joint! I removed it, replaced it properly and all seems good again.

Bloomin' numpty!

[sgould]

We've all done something like that!!

[nine-fiver]

My 9-3 liner is worn through on the upper left. On the 9-5 I took the lower ones off years ago. Why?