[Wheel not turning freely enough (not brakes)]

My front nearside wheel doesn't turn as freely as it should. I know it's nothing to do with the brakes, as I've took the caliper off and it's made no difference. It had a new wheel bearing fairly recently. Maybe a year ago. I didn't fit it myself, so maybe it wasn't fitted properly.

If it's not the bearing, what else could it be?

[protecting new parts from rust]

On 28/09/2016 at 6:35 PM, JoeyEunos said:

...RE dealing with existing corrosion, I generally hit it with a drill mounted wire brush convert it using BiltHamber's Hydrate80...http://www.bilthamber.com/corrosion-protection-and-rust-treatments/hydrate-80 followed by paint or treatment with UB.

Hope that helps.

Just wanted to say I can vouch for this. I used this stuff on my rear axle last year. It's a '99 and it was very ratty. Did that about a year ago and used stone chip on top, and it still looks almost as good as new. Doing the front subframe and wishbones now. Just be aware that it takes 24 hours to dry before you can paint it.

[MOT Fail - Emissions / Cut Lambda Sensor]

My car failed it's MOT emissions test the other day. It's a '99 1.0L Lupo.
I nearly bought a new cat, but then I remembered that it had a complete new exhaust just two years ago. Surely, they should last longer than that?

Anyway, while fixing the leaky power steering, I saw this...

As you can see, the Lambda sensor lead has just been cut off. I certainly didn't do this, and I've had the car a few years. It's passed at least two MOTs, I assume, like this, although it only scraped through the emissions test last year.

Could anyone shine any light on this? Could this be why the emissions are so bad? The car isn't burning oil / smoking out the exhaust, and the complete exhaust is only two years old (unless I got done by a VW dealers).

Where should the cut lead run to?

If the source of the problem isn't this, what else could it be?

I'll be very grateful for any info. Thanks in advance.

[I was going to change my spark plugs]

Another n00b question - is there some trick to pulling the HT leads off the spark plugs on a '99 1.0?

They turn, but didn't budge when I pulled with as much force as I dared to give it. I really don't want to break anything.

[Lupo Rear Wiper Seized]

Are You sure the motor isnt burnt out? If the wheels in the gearbox seize usually the motor packs up?So You will need a replacement or repaired unit .

Yeah, I think you're probably right. I think I'll probably ask for one for my birthday as it isn't that far away. Just hope it doesn't piss it down too much before then! (Fat chance!)

Edit: Managed to get a lot of crud out just now with a pin and some Shock & Unlock. I think I'll carry on doing a little bit each day just to see whether it can be fixed.

Edit 2: Just a bit of advice - if your wipers start slowing down, be sure to get rid of the grime and rust before they stop working altogether.

[Lupo Rear Wiper Seized]

Hello all,

My rear wiper's movement had slowed down, and it eventually stopped moving altogether. I thought I'd have a go at fixing it before I have to get a replacement.

I've taken it apart as far as I could, and this is where I'm stuck.

As far as I'm aware, the linkage should just lift out of the plastic case, but it's completely stuck. The gear at the top budges slightly if hit, but that's all.

I've applied penetrating oil a few times, and will carry on doing the same for a while.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.