The rear suspension beam on the Peugeot 205 and 309 GTI is perhaps the biggest problem that faces these modern classics. Unfortunately all of these cars are now at least 14 years old, and most have covered over 100,000 miles. As a result of this, the bearings which live inside the rear axle are either badly worn or completely crushed.

The effect of this can be seen aswell as felt. Often, you will notice that the rear
wheel(s) sit with a camber - leaning in toward the car at the top. In extreme cases the wheels will actually rub the inner wheel arch - which can lead to the tyre 'blowing out'.
In other cases the suspension arm will seize, which leads to a very harsh ride and frankly scary handling characteristics.

The problem can be rectified by replacing the worn items within the beams, but this can be easier said than done.

A complete rear suspension beam/axle as removed from a Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9. 
It consists of a main 'beam' tube - (seen in yellow) with a trailing arm either end.
Either side of the beam tube is a torsion bar - which connects to each trailing arm.

A close up of the trailing arm. An anti roll bar is inserted through the hole at the top, centre of the picture. The anti roll bar links both torsion arms.

The main suspension beam tube contains four bearings which wear and collapse over time.

The beam tubes can also wear themselves. We have to add material to the tube, before milling it internally to Peugeots specifications.

The trailing arm shaft inserts into the above beam tube and is pressed into the trailing arm. Unfortunately the shafts also suffer from wear and so are replaced. Some people do not replace the shafts due to their expense - (£65 each +) but this only leads to premature wear and ultimately the collapse of the new bearings. With worn shafts, the new bearings can be destroyed within 1000 miles.

In the case of seized beams, the trailing arm shaft seizes solid into the beam tube. The only way to remove the shaft, is to cut the beam tube open using oxy acetylene. With the shaft removed, the beam tube is welded back together and is milled internally back to Peugeots dimensions.
With heavily worn beams, the beam tube can also wear. Once again, the only remedy is to add weld to the worn area, before milling it back to size.

When rebuilding the beam we can also adjust the rear ride height of the car, for no extra charge. We can also rebuild the suspension beam on any car using torsion arm rear suspension. Citroen Saxo's, Peugeot 306, 405, 106 etc etc. Please phone or E-mail for a Quotation.

205/309 GTi Rear beam refurbishment £375.00, including new bearings, seals, trailing arm shafts - where neccesary, new copper rear brake line sections (beam to brake), and removal and refitting of the suspension beam.