Just back from the controle technique (French MOT). Result?

Well it failed - on a leaky shock absorber. Annoyed with myself for not noticing it myself.

So, first question - recommendations for new shock absorbers, make and supplier? Will be buying them on line. I am a bit anal about shock absorbers so am looking for something of decent quality.

While the test was being done, we had a thorough look under the car and found a few issues - not failures, but things that do need to be fixed.

First issue - leaking driveshaft oil seal on front axle. I have checked RAVE and it looks like you need a special tool to put these in.

So next question: Has anybody changed the driveshaft seal, and is there a good workaround for the special tool?

Second issue - oil dripping from under the radiator, presumably from an oil cooler. Any common issues with these? Difficult to change??

Third issue - Oil leak I have already posted about in an earlier thread.

Fourth issue - all air bags are cracking around their base, so really need to change them all before I get stranded somewhere...

Fifth issue - front tyres cracking due to age. They really don't wear their tyres out quickly these cars!

So quite a few things to attend to, but hopefully nothing that is going to break the bank. The good news is that generally the condition of the underneath of the car is amazing for a 16 year old vehicle, no rust at all, anywhere. So I think it is worth fixing!


Thanks for any hints/tips you can give me with the above questions


Cheers

Jerry

Airsprings are a piece of cake to change unless they are corroded in. I can send you a guide with photo's if you PM me with an email address.
Oil leak under rad could be the oil cooler if it's a diesel or just the pipes, but the pipes will not undo without knakering the cooler. Could also be oil from the air con condensor in which case the aircon will not be working, or even oil from the power steering.

Data the oil under the rad is black so am assuming it is engine oil - smells like it is anyway. The oil is coming from the RHS of the rad but there is oil staining and smearing on the side of the rad too, almost as though there is a pipe leaking somewhere near the battery box, but I have had a good look around that region and cannot see anything obvious so perhaps it is being thrown up there by airflow or even the fan.... very odd. Again probably a case of clean it all up and keep an eye on it...


Cheers

Jerry

jerrytlr said:

Data the oil under the rad is black so am assuming it is engine oil - smells like it is anyway. The oil is coming from the RHS of the rad but there is oil staining and smearing on the side of the rad too, almost as though there is a pipe leaking somewhere near the battery box, but I have had a good look around that region and cannot see anything obvious so perhaps it is being thrown up there by airflow or even the fan.... very odd. Again probably a case of clean it all up and keep an eye on it...


Cheers

Jerry

Click to expand...

Engine oil cooler leaking common problem.

you can go for boge shocks. they are, i believe, oem and quite reasonably priced. i've justed fitted 4 and very happy with them. airsprings, well everyone recommends arnotts of course, gen 2 is oem spec and gen 3 is upgraded. i personally am using britpart and can't fault them. the originals were dunlop. most of the uk online sellers carry all of these.

jerrytlr said:

Data the oil under the rad is black so am assuming it is engine oil - smells like it is anyway. The oil is coming from the RHS of the rad but there is oil staining and smearing on the side of the rad too, almost as though there is a pipe leaking somewhere near the battery box, but I have had a good look around that region and cannot see anything obvious so perhaps it is being thrown up there by airflow or even the fan.... very odd. Again probably a case of clean it all up and keep an eye on it...


Cheers

Jerry

Click to expand...

If it's diesel, check all the hoses and connections from the turbo and intercooler