cap on hexagon plug

[chris varming]

This question may have been asked before.....: What is the use of the hexagon CAP on the spring loaded plug (hinge pin assembly) and how do I re-use this monster?? Or more relevant: can I do without it when refitting the caliper? Regards, Chris Varming

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

Hello Chris,

The cap on hexagon plug that you speak of is part of the caliper hinge pin assembly.Beneath the cap is a coil spring which pushes against the pivot pin, the other end of whiich screws into the pin retainer complete with 'O' ring seals. The hexagon plug is an integral part and is there to ensure that the pivot pin will not come loose. Given that the rear calipers are retained by this pin onto the differential and given the forces involved, it would be most unwise to leave the plug off.

So in short, you must refit the plug nice and tight once the calipers have been refitted.

Ron.

 

[chris varming]

Hello Ron, I have not explained this correctly I guess, I'll try to be more specific: On the hexagon bolt (where the spring is situated on the inside), on the outside there is a kind of shell or cap. You have to break off this shell/cap in order to get a spanner (22mm) on the hexagon bolt. Once you have broken off the cap - well, that's it.- is it replaceable? - Am I the only one who has this kind of cap/shell? I have 5 Rover 3500 and I have found this cap on every caliper. - Unfortunately for my argument, this cap is not to be seen on the drawings from Fig.9.19 /9.13 (page 142 in Haynes)- I have taken a photo of the hexagon bolt with the remnant cap, but have no idea of how to put it on this forum, hopefully this explanation will clear up matter?? Regards, Chris

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

Hello Chris,

Sorry I did misunderstand. Ok...I have a spanner which fits, so removing the folded metal cover which resides over the head of the bolt never entered my mind. I don't imagine that you are supposed to remove the metal cover. Why did you not obtain a spanner that would fit? The nut and bolt sizes on the P6 are by and large all imperial, but having removed the cover I don't expect it will render the bolt unuseable.

Ron.

 

[colnerov]

I think the cap acts as a spring washer so I always leave it on. It only has to be nipped up.

 

[harveyp6]

A good quality 15/16" AF oe spanner will undo the bolt, with the cover in place without any problems at all.

 

[chris varming]

Thanks all - and now to the 1.000.000 Dollar question: what is the use of this gadget? - Colnerov think it acts as a spring washer - How??? chris+++

 

[colnerov]

Because it comes into contact with caliper before the face of the cap.

 

[chris varming]

Bought.

 

[keynsham1]

I know the answer to this one as I have recently had a similar issue. The old style plugs were much taller that the later ones. When the handbrake operating lever on the rear calipers changed in design, the original style caps no longer fitted and a reduced height cap was designed. The problem with them seems to be that the recess hole in the middle for the small coil spring is too deep into the cap and leaves very little if any metal for the spring to push against. The answer was to wrap a steel 'cover'; over the cap so that the spring cannot push through it. This cover on the cap is important and I think would need to be there for the cap to do it's job correctly. See the picture below: