failed suspension ( is it drivable)

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marty_b

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i am looking into getting a second p38 been given a complete spring conversion off a 97 diesel. i have seen a p38 for sale with failed suspension currently sitting low. can it still be driven home.
 
marty_b said:
i am looking into getting a second p38 been given a complete spring conversion off a 97 diesel. i have seen a p38 for sale with failed suspension currently sitting low. can it still be driven home.
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Not sure how the law stands....but it is drivable albeit very bumpy....don't drive on fast A roads or Motorway though as it will be dangerous to do so....

Again, not sure what the law states or even if a grumpy plod officer would appreciate it though....
 
I wouldnt - Ours was down on its bumps when we bought it. Even driving it down a cul de sac to load it on to the trailer was a horrible experience. We did debate driving it home initially, but after that 1/4 mile I was very thankful that we'd opted for the trailer.......
 
It can be driven. It's not really comfy, but should get you home. I'd first check, if the bump stops look ok (and are present, of course), and then take it easy. Rougher the road, rougher the ride.
 
Provided its MOT'ed, Taxed and Insured, theres not a problem with driving it, depends on how far you can stand the rough ride. Now if your a member of the AA/RAC with relay/recovery.......;)
 
yep is driveable mine failed on the m25 whilst towing a vitara strapped on the back using an a frame!
i drove mine 66miles home like this and i would say use motorways where possible smoother the roads the better and can quite happily pootle along at 50mph!
rougher roads are a nightmare feels like your spine is going to get rammed through the top of your head!!
biggest prob i had with mine is i had 19 inch wheels rubbed like buggery!
 
ive drove mine 5 miles on the bumps
not something i will do again ! but if you keep the speed down (20mph) and try to stay on smooth roads its just about tolerable (provided you aint got any loose fillings lol)
i wouldent recomend it as it can ferther damage the air springs but since your insisting on replaceing them anyway you should be ok
 
Last edited:
gfromleeds said:
wont be much help if its a leaking spring
there more for when youve got a eas hard fault as a temp fix to get you home
but i do agree with you in selling the coils and fixing the eas properly
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Most times it's slow leaks in the airsprings that have shagged the compressor, or it's a height sensor on the blink, so it's quite likely that it would stay up as a get you home, even if it's necessary to stop at the occasional garage for a pump up.:)
 
If its more than 10 miles see if you can get a trailer, its not a nice experience on the bump stops, thats one of the reasons I fitted coils and never regretted it.
Davie
 
Davie F said:
If its more than 10 miles see if you can get a trailer, its not a nice experience on the bump stops, thats one of the reasons I fitted coils and never regretted it.
Davie
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A farmer customer of mine once drove 120 miles on the bumpstops,(He was on a shooting trip on a Scottish island) it was to the only LR garage I could organise to fix his EAS on the day.He was suffering from cancer in a part of his stomach at the time - but he did it.
So dont make a fuss,as the ad says - Just do it.;)
 
well i am definitely tempted i have seen a 98 dshe failed suspension 78 miles away all motorway driving for £900 MOT'd and taxed till december 2012
 
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