[405Scotsman]

When buying the 405 I was sure to check that the rear axle wasn't showing any signs of failure, as I know they were a big issue on these models, and was satisfied that it was fine.

However, I was washing the car today and noticed that the rear wheels seem to be a bit too far back and don't sit in the middle of the wheel arch... There is definitely a smaller gap between the tyre and the rear of the arch than there is the front.

Please tell me this isn't a sign my rear axle is finally giving out? It does click from time to time going over bumps in the road, but I had convinced myself that the clicking could just be the struts or maybe even just the exhaust hitting the chassis (deluding myself, I know).

Firstly getting a new axle or axle components will be like finding hens teeth and secondly the MOT expires at the end of May so I'm worried if there is an issue it would cause a failure.

Thankfully although the 405 is our daily driver at the moment (due to the fuel economy), we do have another car so it isn't the end of the world if it does need repairs, I'm more concerned about not physically being able to repair it if parts are obsolete.

Lastly, just to say that it currently has a full tank of diesel and does have quite a lot of crap in the boot weighing it down - it isn't as bad as that when it's less laden and lower on fuel.

 

[405Scotsman]

Does look a little odd - I'd check your axle mounts first.


If you do have to go down a new axle route in the future you can fit one from a partner/berlingo with some very minor mods.
Take a look here: Fitting Partner / Berlingo Beam Onto 405. - Brakes, Suspension & Steering - Articles - Articles - Home Page

Will do! I don't have any off road parking to allow me to jack the car up and check, but when it comes to the MOT I'll have a local independent mechanic check it out, and if necessary he could do any works for a decent rate if I supply the parts. It's good to know that a Berlingo/Partner axle would essentially work, as I can't see those going obsolete for a good few years yet given how many are still on the road. I'd go as far as to actually "stock pile" a few of them within the next 5-10 years and keep them in storage so that the 405 (and any future 405s I buy) will be safe-guarded against this failure for the rest of their lives.

If the original axles lasted 20 years then a replacement should last at least 10-15, hopefully. Having a classic 405 as a daily driver is a bit risky these days, but the parts are out there, you just have to be able to find them and do slight modifications.

 

[405Scotsman]

Get your mechanic to have a good look at the main sub frame mountings.
Big square metelastic pads,two bolts to the frame and one to the body.The middle pulls through whole axle can move about.
The "Berlingo Mod" is interesting,but remember it would be a second hand axle so may be as good as the one your removing?
I`ve used these guys many times for Peugeot Axles.Complete recon` unit delivered to your door. A B Axles | Reconditioned and Refurbished Peugeot & Citroen Rear Axles | Refurbished Citroen and Peugeot Rear Axles

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely enquire as that would be very useful if they had a 405 axle. It is good that they take your old one and refurbish that to be used in another 405, rather than just throwing it in the scrap-yard.

I think I'll stick it in for the MOT test first and see what comes back. Don't want to be spending money when it may still pass the MOT, and then I could get the work done at a later date when I've had time to save up.