Does anyone know about the interchangeability of the front brake hose on Rover 200 models. The original part for my 1990 214 is SHB10001EVA. Quinton Hazel have a similar part GBH251 or 859. I've also seen BFH4638. These also fit Honda Concerto. Some sources suggest SHB100760 which is specified for 1...

I wonder if anyone has a piece of Mink leather from a disused seat? The driver's seat on our 1990 214 GSi is now showing signs of wear on the bolster where you get into the car. Perhaps not surprising after nearly 35 years and all that time it's been our everyday car, mostly for short journeys, so i...

When you checked the spark at the plugs, was it a strong spark? It should be able to jump 12 to 15 mm to the engine case. If it's a weak spark, it may not fire properly under compression. You mentioned the revs going up and down and cutting out. The ECU will try to compensate if the firing isn't rel...

It doesn't take much to discharge a battery even if a small light is left on for 48 hours, particularly if the battery isn't in the first flush of youth. More than once I found the battery on our 214 was completely flat as the boot lid hadn't been closed properly and the courtesy light was left on. ...

I've had that problem years ago with the metal door strap limiting the opening. I found some bolts had come loose and the mechanism was a bit bent. Might have to take off the door trim panel to see what's going on inside, which is where most of it is.

Yes, check if you've got a spark at the plugs as the first step. The next step is to see if fuel is getting in, the plugs should smell of petrol.

Good point about the geometry. You need the shaft with the two bolt holes to be set at the right position relative to the chassis fixings, otherwise there would be some sideways force built in when you bolt it up. I measured the bolt hole position relative to the trailing arm before taking out the o...

I'm fairly certain I removed the complete old bush assembly including the metal shell round the rubber part. The new poly bush fitted directly into the housing of the trailing arm (see the photos in my article). It's a very tight fitted so I doubt it would move after installation. The shaft which go...

I had the same problem. The original Rover parts lasted about 18 years and then failed the MOT. The garage put in new ones (aftermarket parts). After three years got advisories that they had deteriorated like yours. You may get a failure or more likely an advisory, depends on the tester, but you'll ...

Great. An impact wrench will certainly undo those nuts, same way as they undo wheel nuts with the wheels off the ground. Hopefully you'll get a long time without further alternator problems. I've had quite a few on our 214 over the last 35 years. I now have a plug-in voltmeter in the cig lighter soc...