Bentley 4 ¼ rear engine support

[Ralf Storandt]

The engine of the 4 ¼ is supported at the rear on 2 rubber supports.
On my car, these rubber parts look a bit worn. The Derby Technical Manual doesn´t tell us nothing how to change them.

I wonder how to do it? Is it possible to take them out and replace them without major work? The fixing screws do not seem to be accessible.

Thank you for your advice
Ralf

[Christopher Carnley]

There is height adjusting packing piece between the lower plate and the bottom member about 3/16" thick.
I have only done this work either on build ups or gearbox overhauls, but it should be possible to renew the mounts, however all the steel parts will be very rusty.





Your question includes an interesting use of a double negative.

[Ralf Storandt]

Thank you very much indeed, Christopher

What a super drawing! It shows very clearly the built up of the assembly.
However, I do not understand how I can change these rubbers. Everything is so tight and there is no space to reach the nuts /bolts.
Do you know how it can be done without taking out major components? Is the normal way to remove cardan shaft, rear gearbox cross member… ?
Sorry for the double negative. My mother language is not English and I live in Switzerland.
Thank you again - Ralf

[Christopher Carnley]

This is a picture taken during a recently completed build up of a late chassis from a pile of rescued parts in various states of preservation /deterioration, so I shall have to consider the possibilities.




All that my client bought from the original car was the frame and bulkhead, everything else had been robbed out, including the "one shot" piping.
The engine was all robbed out as well, and the front axle was created from "scrap" bins. It starts and runs after 3 years struggle and will be rebodied as a very special early racer. (Thank God its gone back to its owner)!