Bentley Continental-R

2013 update

September 2013: Bentley went to Paul Mascard for servicing, when a small oil leak was detected from the oil cooler serving the power steering pump. This required replacement of the cooler, which is a section of finned pipe. Apart from that, there have been few dramas this year.

October 2013

Bentley took us to the Isle of Wight for a weekend with Mid-Western Region. The road surfaces are poor in places; during a visit to the Needles, it was noticed that the spare wheel carrier had descended onto its safety hook.

Further examination revealed that the lifting screw mechanism that is supposed to secure the spare wheel carrier, had broken away from the floor of the boot and was no longer present. Instead, a large hole presented itself. The following day, I remediated the immediate problem with the aid of a speed-brace to serve as a supporting bar and a length of stout rope, purchased from a DIY store - somewhat undignified, but better than having ones spare wheel dangling precariously. In this fashion, we motored home. Fortuitously, a complete spare wheel carrier was on offer via Ebay at the time, so I cannibalised that for its lifting screw, made up a bolt to secure it to my car's carrier - which is slightly different from the Ebay offering - and restored normal service.

Here is an account of the process.

October 2013