September 2005
I have a 98 Mondeo 1.8 TD.
Some mornings I find that there is a small pool of fluid in the space on the mat under the clutch and steering column.
I have checked the power steering fluid etc but levels are fine.
Anyone know what is might be? Car drives fine - smooth clutch, steering okay. Read more
Hi,
I'm sure there's something strange going on with my '95 Escort 1.6 LX but i'm not entirely sure what it is, so if i could get a few pointers as to where to look it'd be a real help!
Last night i was driving along a country lane at around 50mph when a wandering 4x4 forced me right over to the edge of my side of the road. There was a fairly loud bang where i either went into a large pot-hole or may have nudged the kerb slightly with the left side of my car.
After this point, the handling felt 'weird'. It drives, accelerates and brakes in a straight line, but definitely has a lot more 'bite' when turning right, as if the car was close to oversteering. I keep thinking that it's a little rattlier/noiser over bumps now too, although that could just be my imagination.
A visual inspection on the dark night/wet morning hasn't really shown me anything wrong, but i haven't had a chance to get on the floor to check for bent rods etc yet. Tyre pressures are fine, there are no vibrations through the wheels.
From a bit of research, is it likely to be:
1. Suspension bushes (front or rear? How to spot a knackered one?)
2. Toe-in/out or Camber been knocked
3. A bent track rod or something?
4. Something else?
I had an advisory on suspension bushes at an MOT last September, but with no changes they weren't even mentioned two weeks ago at the latest MOT.
If it is the bushes, are they DIY, and if not what would be a decent cost for a garage to change?
Currently i'd estimate that the problem isn't severe enough for someone like my mum to even notice it, but as i can tell something is wrong i want to sort it properly. Read more
Steve.o,do you mean track control arm,there are no wishbones on Escorts,at least,not in the front suspension.Having said that on an Escort I owned I ran a front wheel into a virtually immoveable object and the only damage I could find was a definite kink in the stud part of the trackrod end.I replaced it,reset the tracking and had no further problems with the car and neither had the subsequent owner when I met him four years later.
3.5L Petrol.
Turn key - warning lights, etc., appear on dash.
Try to start - just get 'drrrrrrrrrr' clicking noise. Engine does not even try to turn over.
Was driving fine previously. Happened when wifey came back to car after an appointment.
Any ideas? Thanks!
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Well it turned out to be a flat battery.
Even though it could not be jump started from another car and all the interior lights and dashboard lights were fine.
The recovery guy had a portable 'thingy' which started it instantly.
I think I will invest in one of those.
She'd only left the car for about 1.5 hours; swears the headlights were not left on; but who knows?
Took the above in - making slight rattle from the engine.
Dealer tells me - £13.5K for a new engine! - crank shafts gone.
Apparently no oil in the car. This I refute, checked regularly & added when appropraite. Last time it was checked , approx 3 weeks prior to taking it in.
No Oil pressure warning lights etc came on - no loss of performance.Gauges all normal ( & still when I videod it in their yard where it still is)
Where has the oil gone? - they haven't done a full diagnostic but tell me they can't see any.
Incredibly they tell me it's not covered on warranty!
Are they trying it on do you think? surely it doesnt need a complete new engine - what about a short block or just replacing the crank shaft?
Either way - I'm not paying - it's their problem not mine.
Grateful for any advice. Read more
>>if that indicator fails,
Then get it sorted asap,anything can happen after last check,and as you are supposed to check all levels once a week.just because it has not used a drop of fluid does not mean it wont after the check,it is often taken for granted that it wont happen.But it does
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Steve
I replaced the front shock absorbers on my daughters Polo March 2005 with genuine vw parts.Have just found that one (near side ) is leaking, so off to VW garage where shocks were purchased to see about replacement under warrenty-still have reciept.
VW garages answer is that they will have to replace the faulty part ie shock absorber at their exspense, I did ask twice yes at their exspense.What concerns me is this a way of them saying when they have the Polo in bits is "you fitted incorectly or damaged it" so no warrenty replacement and give me a bill for work undertaken? fitting it incorectly is not very likely I know.
As I have a mistrust of garages or to be precise their mechanics surely I can insist that I remove the faulty shock absorber and return it to tham and get it replaced under warrenty.As I have not seen any warrenty conditions in print as to parts from VW does anyone know the answer to this quandry?
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rustbucket (the original) Read more
When changing oil filters, the makers tell you to coat the rubber sealing ring with engine oil.
I still use the method that used to be recommended years ago which is to smear grease on the seal.
Does any one else still use this method and what is the purpose anyway?
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doc its only to let the rubber seal slip as it tightens so that it doesnt stretch the rubber then spring back a little as you let go.any lubricant does the job
Due to one thing or another I have several times been caught out by a flat battery.
Is there a better solution than getting a jump-start off somebody?
I once sold a car to a chap (having previously warned him the battery was u/s) and when he came to pick it up, he had a spare battery and jump lead with him which he used to start it (without touching the installed one).
Is there any point carrying a spare battery like that? Risks?
I've also heard modern car electronics can be blown up with a jump start. Or is that an urban myth?
Thanks!
Read more
I think the secret of battery buying is to get one a size bigger than recommended, they seem to last longer.
>>
IIRC Get the correct sized battery so that it matches the charging of the car.
I consider it very difficult to get accurate info on modern cars even on apparently simple items like batteries.
I was most surprised re the following
www.boschautoparts.co.uk/pcBatt12.asp?c=2&d=1
"In a recent Technical Service Bulletin from Ford (who have been using Calcium Silver since 1997 as OE), they have stated that due to the Smart Changing System (SCS) fitted to its vehicles ONLY Calcium Silver batteries can be used.
Fitting anything other than Calcium Silver could result in a severely shortened service life, increased warranty claims and could even cause explosions."
I would suggest that any owner of a Ford from June 98 should check it out on the Bosch site
Why do so many BRers hide their profile? What is wrong with just saying which part of the country you are from and what car you drive.
I can understand that contributers may not want to give all their personal details, but I find it hard to see the potential harm in perhaps letting us know which field you work in.
Go on! you know it makes sense! Read more
Did I? I didnt know you could. Perhaps in motor trade slang "its had a haircut"
(thats clocked for you non cockneys)
HI
I bought my wife a new Renault Megane The interior has a really pungent smell. Not sure if its from all the plastic or carpets. When the car stands in the sun for a while its even worse! Any idea how to reduce or eliminate the smell!! I have bought new cars before but this is in a league of its own
Thanks
Alan Read more
By the way, my initial reaction to such a query is that the catalyst is the cause.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Help!?
Rip off Britain strikes again! Had a 80K full service done and a number of issues were identifed. The CV boot needs replacing and both front drop links. OK? The car is 6 years old, 80K, (runs great mind!)but when VW told me the parts and labour, I nearly fell off my oerch! £130+ for the CV boot and drop links £175+ (supplied and fitted in both instances)
I'm not knowledgable under the bonnet, but there must be an alternative. Any suggestions!Thanks Read more
Much apprecited. I'll order the parts and prob get a local garage to sort it. Gotta be cheaper than VW!!
Does it have aircon?