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Litch

Well-Known Member

• Jul 30, 2014

• #1

Decided that it is about time I replaced the fuel tank cradle on my wife's 2006 TD4.
Lots of flaky rust however I think that the structure is still solid but that will only be determined when the old one is off. If it is still reasonable then it will get a clean-up, welded repair, coat of paint and sold as a useable spare.

Got a 5% discount at the main dealer even without asking so the new cradle came in at the bargain price of £303. I ordered the pads as well but LR now say that only one is required (strange as there are two flat areas that take the weight) and the pad is only about 2-inches square anyway. Even before telling me the parts were in the dealer had contacted LR to query this but LR insisted that only a single pad is used so I think some neoprene rubber strip will be put to use. Dealer didn't charge me for the pad (£5) as they felt is wasn't fit for purpose, we will see what transpires.

New cradle will be painted & rust-proofed so will hopefully last a bit longer than the original.

 

jedi

Well-Known Member

• Jul 30, 2014

• #2

Nice if that were mine id give in anothet coat of paint before i fitted it. ..id black hammerite it..

 

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Litch

Well-Known Member

• Jul 30, 2014

• #3

"Nice if that were mine id give in anothet coat of paint before i fitted it. ..id black hammerite it."

It will be. Not with Hammerite though, don't let that stuff anywhere near any of our vehicles.
"New cradle will be painted & rust-proofed so will hopefully last a bit longer than the original."

The factory applied paint has worn through where it has been rubbing against the inside of the cardboard box, if anyone was to fit one without painting it first they have only themselves to blame if it starts rusting inside of 12-months.

 

NoDosh

Active Member

• Jul 31, 2014

• #4

Get yourself to a chandlers and look at their marine paints. WAY better than anything you'll find in a motor factors.

**adds fuel tank cradle to list of things to check when working on the car this weekend**

 

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Litch

Well-Known Member

• Jul 31, 2014

• #5

Talking of marine paints, I was speaking to a colleague today and he mentioned a paint he used on his (rusty) outboard motor bracket which has survived 4-years in the sea and is still in excellent condition with no signs of corrosion or flaking, he said it is very expensive but easily worth the cost (can't remember the name off-hand).
As the bracket is brand-new I am just using a normal enamel which will then be rust-proofed.

 

SES88

Well-Known Member

• Jul 31, 2014

• #6

Should've asked for a bigger discount

 

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Richard Martin

Well-Known Member

• Jul 31, 2014

• #7

Can you take some photos as you remove the old one and then fit the new one? I'd like to see what's involved just in case I have to do mine one day.

 

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Litch

Well-Known Member

• Aug 19, 2014

• #8

Cradle replaced today.
Didn't even bother getting my hands dirty, local garage did it in 1 1/2Hrs. There was no rear prop to remove as that is already off waiting for me to fit the recon VCU so that saved a few minutes but even so, quite a quick job. He said that the rear sub-frame had to be moved (knew that) but then he supported the tank (it was practically empty) and just removed the cradle.

Old cradle is now in the For Sale Section, can probably be salvaged by someone handy with a Mig & sheet-metalwork and has a bit of time on their hands.
It would at least give someone the chance to work on it while still using their vehicle (that's the problem with repairing your own faulty parts, vehicle is off the road while the repair is underway).

 

Ian jones

Well-Known Member

• Aug 19, 2014

• #9

I would block the air holes on the main tubes that allowed water in on mine , one on each side , if your new cradle has them , have recently repaired mine for the mot ! Posted pics earlier this month.

 

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Litch

Well-Known Member

• Aug 20, 2014

• #10

New one was painted with enamel, filled with Waxoyl then plugged. Now fitted it will be given a decent coat of Finneagans underseal.
Fairly sure it will last longer than the 8-years the original one did (won't be our worry then anyway).