Technical 2105 500 rear axle into 2007 Panda 169

[rmjbn1]

The car has now done at least 10,000 miles with its new axle.

The only (very slight) snag was it riding a little low at the back with 500 springs. As said earlier, the Panda road springs were MUCH too hard so were quickly swapped back.

I then had a brainwave and fitted the rubber cushions from the spring tops to the bottom as well. I had two sets after all.

Ride height with soft springs sorted. !!!

Hi Dave, do you think there would be any point putting 500 springs with extra mounts on a standard 169 axle? Presumably this could be done by just removing the lower shocker bolts and letting the axle swing down still attached to the car (which I'm thinking of doing anyway just to treat the spring pans).

OK, we wouldn't get the extra axle width or ARB, but it sounds like the springs alone could offer an improvement in ride, with the rubber spring mounts also protecting the spring pans. Any thoughts, please?

 

[DaveMcT]

Hi Dave, do you think there would be any point putting 500 springs with extra mounts on a standard 169 axle? Presumably this could be done by just removing the lower shocker bolts and letting the axle swing down still attached to the car (which I'm thinking of doing anyway just to treat the spring pans).

OK, we wouldn't get the extra axle width or ARB, but it sounds like the springs alone could offer an improvement in ride, with the rubber spring mounts also protecting the spring pans. Any thoughts, please?

The 100HP (which uses shortened standard 169 springs) has a deplorable ride even without its over-long bump stops. It cries out for a "narrowed" 500 axle. Not having the time or inclination to modify a 500 axle I fitted 500 springs with rubber cushions top and bottom. There is more body roll but it's not significant and more than compensated by the back end not skipping over every bump in the road.

It could go a smidge higher (tech term) so I might cut a spacer washer from some 6mm UPVC soffit building sheet material. But its not important enough to panic over on the 100HP. You might want spring spacers on the 1.1/1.2 models.

When I fit new front struts I will be looking at using 500 springs but will need to do some research on wire gauge, spring lengths and ride heights.

The rear shock absorber bottom bolts are quite long. I use a socket driver in an 18V power drill. Loosen the bolts with breaker bar then whiz them out with the drill. You might need to pause if it's really tight. Winding with a ratchet takes for ever. Coat end to end with high solids copper paste before putting them back.

 

[rmjbn1]

Thank you for your reply, Dave. Sounds like 500 springs could make a worthwhile improvement to a 1.2 then. I don't mind the ride in my car from the helm, but I feel a bit sorry for my adult rear occupants sometimes, especially with the state of our country lanes. It really looks like they get shaken about back there! I can see them bouncing all over the place in the rear-view. Quite distracting at times

Yep, 'smidge' represents the degree of precision that I've been employing today on my rear hub. I like it!

 

[DaveMcT]

I think the 500 springs improve the 100HP in comfort and handling. Hard springs dont move enough over bumps so the wheels skip.

On the 1.2, you may need to add a spacer above the spring top. You woll need to try and see how it goes.

These look like the ones. Ask what model they are from. Call the supplier and ask for a pair of Panda or 500 spring seat rubbers.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-500-LOUNGE-1-2-2009-REAR-SPRINGS-PAIR/273795135020?hash=item3fbf76362c:gcAAOSwDNdVt3OT