car issues - help a girl out

[XxKiTtiExX]

Okay I'm thick as shit so will explain as best as I can (yeah yeah yeah its a car sorry!!) :shutup:

Anywho I've had my car for a year now, when I first purchased the car there was a slight squeek which we were never able to figure out where it was coming from. Anyway over time the car has become "stiffer" when driving over bumps etc (best word I can use to describe it) and the squeek has now become extremely loud when driving over said speed bumps (no I'm not driving over them to fast) Definately squeeking as the car goes up, and then as it goes down again. The sound is now coming obviously from the left hand side at the front.

So... We got out today and had a quick look at where the shocks were while "bouncing" the car up and down as much as we could. The squeeking is definately coming from where the shock is on the left. Bounce the car on the right hand side, and you can still hear it on the left. Also while driving I can hear a slight clunk coming from the left hand side every once in a while (or maybe its my overactive imagination).

I'm assuming the shock on the left hand side is toast, or maybe thats a stupid assumption (again I'm as thick as shit). If anyone has any suggestions as to what else it could possibly be that would be absolutely fantastic. :sunny:

Nearing the end of the car crap now...

What I really need to know is if there are any places that still do free shock checks? I'm positive I have heard of them before. I wanted to take it to a couple of places to get differing opinions. (I don't want to take it to a mechanic to be told yes its the shocks, have them replaced and then find that its not, it happens all to often). Also, does anyone know who does obligation free quotes on shock repairs?

Thanks in advance. :shifty: *kit*

[rickstv]

Take it for a WOF test, they will soon tell you whats wrong.:sunny:

[Pussy]

You're NOT thick, Kittie.... your description of the problem does sound like a rooted shock

[Edbear]

You're NOT thick, Kittie.... your description of the problem does sound like a rooted shock

I actually thought the description was very well posted for a non-mechanically minded person.

I would suggest asking around for recommendations of a good garage, as there could be other issues. However from what you say of the history of the car since purchase, you're probably quite correct.

Sorry I'm not familiar with garages up your way, but someone should be able point you to a good place.

I know two garages I'd recommend but one is in Wellsford and the other in Whangaparoa...

[XxKiTtiExX]

Take it for a WOF test, they will soon tell you whats wrong.:sunny:

The squeek was there when I purchased the car, at the time I had a family friend look over the car who didn't seem to think it was anything serious. I've had a few people look at the car since then and hum and har, each with a differing opinion. I have passed 2 WOF's during the time I have owned the car (one was done 4 days after purchase). That said it has passed everytime no issues ever mentioned. I have questioned wether it should have been picked up if it is what is wrong.


You're NOT thick, Kittie.... your description of the problem does sound like a rooted shock

I had the alignment done not long ago, 2 new front tyres were put on before I had this done. Could a stuffed shock possibly cause slight wear on the outter left tyre?

[Pussy]

The squeek was there when I purchased the car, at the time I had a family friend look over the car who didn't seem to think it was anything serious. I've had a few people look at the car since then and hum and har, each with a differing opinion. I have passed 2 WOF's during the time I have owned the car (one was done 4 days after purchase). That said it has passed everytime no issues ever mentioned. I have questioned wether it should have been picked up if it is what is wrong.



I had the alignment done not long ago, 2 new front tyres were put on before I had this done. Could a stuffed shock possibly cause slight wear on the outter left tyre?

What sort of car, Kittie?
Yes, a rooted shock can do that... could also be worth checking the bushings, too, although that should be picked up on a WOF inspection.
There must be a KBer up your way who'll check it out for you?

[Edbear]

The squeek was there when I purchased the car, at the time I had a family friend look over the car who didn't seem to think it was anything serious. I've had a few people look at the car since then and hum and har, each with a differing opinion. I have passed 2 WOF's during the time I have owned the car (one was done 4 days after purchase). That said it has passed everytime no issues ever mentioned. I have questioned wether it should have been picked up if it is what is wrong.



I had the alignment done not long ago, 2 new front tyres were put on before I had this done. Could a stuffed shock possibly cause slight wear on the outter left tyre?

A stuffed shock can be a minor contributor but if the wheel alignment is in order, not a major factor. You can expect some tyre wear on the left front as normal due to road camber - for the same reason, bike tyres will tend to wear more on the right side of the tread - and this is why it's a good idea to rotate tyres from time to time. The biggest factors are tyre pressure and alignment. Low pressure will rapidly increase wear on the edges of the tyre.

[FJRider]

I just wonder if it just needs a grease, there are a few grease nipples in that area which would produce those symptoms if not greased . No mention what type of car this is ??? Not an expensive thing to get done, if this is the case...

[Pussy]

I just wonder if it just needs a grease, there are a few grease nipples in that area which would produce those symptoms if not greased . No mention what type of car this is ??? Not an expensive thing to get done, if this is the case...

I think you'll be scratching to find a modern car with grease nipples

[XxKiTtiExX]

What sort of car, Kittie?
Yes, a rooted shock can do that... could also be worth checking the bushings, too, although that should be picked up on a WOF inspection.
There must be a KBer up your way who'll check it out for you?

Its a 1996 Nissan Pulsar. Mum did mention those bush things as well as they went on her Falcon when she owned it, the thought has been there over that also.

I don't know anyone on KB close by who would be able to have a quick look for me. The joys of living in the middle of no where.


A stuffed shock can be a minor contributor but if the wheel alignment is in order, not a major factor. You can expect some tyre wear on the left front as normal due to road camber - for the same reason, bike tyres will tend to wear more on the right side of the tread - and this is why it's a good idea to rotate tyres from time to time. The biggest factors are tyre pressure and alignment. Low pressure will rapidly increase wear on the edges of the tyre.

We checked tyre pressures today. All appears normal. I did learn my lesson about that after stuffing over $400.00 worth of tyres on my last car lol.

[XxKiTtiExX]

I just wonder if it just needs a grease, there are a few grease nipples in that area which would produce those symptoms if not greased . No mention what type of car this is ??? Not an expensive thing to get done, if this is the case...

I did notice on the metal pipe thing that runs up through the middle of the springy looking thing that it has a plastic surround around it similar to what you would find covering a CV joint (that black boot thing, but its a cylinder shape). That cylinder boot isn't sitting tightly in place or really covering much (if thats what its intended purpose is). Is that supposed to do a similar thing to a CV boot and hold grease in? Hopefully I haven't lost you now.. :eek: Both sides look the same so I have no obvious comparison.

EDIT: Can add a photo of what I'm talking about in the morning if my description makes no sense..

[arj127]

The boots dont hold any grease and are just dust covers.

Both shocks are more than likely stuffed being a '96, there only rated to last 40000k's anyway. Get a mechanic to chuck some new KYB's at it and you should be sweet

[FJRider]

I did notice on the metal pipe thing that runs up through the middle of the springy looking thing that it has a plastic surround around it similar to what you would find covering a CV joint (that black boot thing, but its a cylinder shape). That cylinder boot isn't sitting tightly in place or really covering much (if thats what its intended purpose is). Is that supposed to do a similar thing to a CV boot and hold grease in? Hopefully I haven't lost you now.. :eek: Both sides look the same so I have no obvious comparison.

EDIT: Can add a photo of what I'm talking about in the morning if my description makes no sense..

No need... the hoo-dacky whatsits you mention sound like indeed the shock has past its prime. If it has... push hard down on the offending side, then quickly release it. if it continues to bounce... its buggered. It pays to replace both sides, if one has gone...the other will follow soon.

[XxKiTtiExX]

No need... the hoo-dacky whatsits you mention sound like indeed the shock has past its prime. If it has... push hard down on the offending side, then quickly release it. if it continues to bounce... its buggered. It pays to replace both sides, if one has gone...the other will follow soon.

You push down on it and it squeeks as it goes down, let it go and it squeeks as it comes back up. It definately doesn't continue to bounce afterwards though. Its very stiff not loose. I was having to throw all my weight down onto that corner of the car to get it to bounce at all. Unless I'm not strong enough to bounce it enough (that wouldn't suprise me).

Will try and find a shock shop when I'm in Whangarei on Thursday.

[Mully]

We had a similar thing with our Mitsi. Symptoms almost exactly as you describe.

Turned out to be a suspension arm which was knacked.

We have a good, cheap mechanic, but he's in Onehunga, so out of your area.

[peasea]

You push down on it and it squeeks as it goes down, let it go and it squeeks as it comes back up. It definately doesn't continue to bounce afterwards though. Its very stiff not loose. I was having to throw all my weight down onto that corner of the car to get it to bounce at all. Unless I'm not strong enough to bounce it enough (that wouldn't suprise me).

Will try and find a shock shop when I'm in Whangarei on Thursday.

It's possible it's a squeaky ball joint, it's possible its a squeaky shock (strut, call it what you will, the official version is 'coil-over strut') and the problem is not life threatening from what you say.

Many components of newer cars' suspension are not 'greaseable', meaning if they squeak, you cannot lubricate them, you just replace them. If your car has a current WOF I'd be surprised if the problem is serious but the people that gave you your current WOF would, most likely, be able to offer advice as to what was creating the squeak.

WOF inspections are just that, an inspection to say that your vehicle is safe for road use, squeaks are not usually a safety issue. However, get it checked asap for peace of mind. It's most likely not a major issue but better safe than sorry.

[XxKiTtiExX]

It's possible it's a squeaky ball joint, it's possible its a squeaky shock (strut, call it what you will, the official version is 'coil-over strut') and the problem is not life threatening from what you say.

Many components of newer cars' suspension are not 'greaseable', meaning if they squeak, you cannot lubricate them, you just replace them. If your car has a current WOF I'd be surprised if the problem is serious but the people that gave you your current WOF would, most likely, be able to offer advice as to what was creating the squeak.

WOF inspections are just that, an inspection to say that your vehicle is safe for road use, squeaks are not usually a safety issue. However, get it checked asap for piece of mind. It's most likely not a major issue but better safe than sorry.

Its not the squeek I'm worried to much about, it started as that, and still does it (hence I've mentioned it) but it has now become the odd clunk while driving. Thats the part that has me concerned most. I'm one for putting things off, so what was once a small issue tends to become a much larger one by not questioning or looking into things further. Definately getting it looked into though or else I'll continue to be paranoid.

[Max Preload]

Sway (stabiliser) bar bushes. Next time you've been driving on a wet road (or hose the underside of the car across the full width around the driver and front seat passenger's foot area) see if the squeak remains the same. I expect not.

[Dragon]

pit stop does free shock checks and is probably the best place to get them replaced as well. What kind of car is it the cvs may need looking at if its a fwd and youll most likly want to replace more then just the one shock.

[Max Preload]

pit stop does free shock checks and is probably the best place to get them replaced as well.

Most definitely not.

[arj127]

I'm going to go with the strut being f'd. Guess we'll have to see

[Swoop]

I think you'll be scratching to find a modern car with grease nipples
The modern ones will be pierced...:bleh:

[RT527]

Ok well sorry to put a dampner on things but a damaged or worn shock /suspension part can add up to and even further about 15-30 metres braking distance in an emergency stop situation, for your safety and other road users but we are mainly talking about you're safety , get it checked asap and be firm with the ppl from the w/shop and find out what their policy is should they correct something and it doesn't solve the original problem.
I`d make sure I had someone go with me that understands car mechanics as w/shops can be a mine field for the less mechanically minded ppl.
I cant help with w/shops but a good place for you to start would be at the local fire station, if you know someone there they often have trustworthy contacts or know of someone good.There`s often a huge variety of professions at a volunteer station.
Also try your citizens advice bureau they can often have points of contacts for ppl to go to.
Anyways it does sound like something in your suspension/shock area`s.
Good luck with what ever happens.

[RT527]

Sway (stabiliser) bar bushes. Next time you've been driving on a wet road (or hose the underside of the car across the full width around the driver and front seat passenger's foot area) see if the squeak remains the same. I expect not.

thought the pulsar was a front wheel drive, sway bars are usually in the rear suspension on a front wheel drive...

[XxKiTtiExX]

pit stop does free shock checks and is probably the best place to get them replaced as well. What kind of car is it the cvs may need looking at if its a fwd and youll most likly want to replace more then just the one shock.

CV's were looked at the week after I purchased the car. New boots fitted, greased up etc etc. Doesn't click on hard turns like CV's would normally do.

[Max Preload]

thought the pulsar was a front wheel drive, sway bars are usually in the rear suspension on a front wheel drive...

On many, yes, but not all. I'm not familiar with this specific model, but I believe there are AWD models in the series and the problem does have the characteristics of worn sway bar bushes.

[Laava]

Best thing you can do is get a recommendation for a mech in Keri and get a quote. Shocks have to be done in pairs, ie both front wheels. But it needs to be looked at in any case. Can recommend in Whanga's but not up there sorry.

[XxKiTtiExX]

On many, yes, but not all. I'm not familiar with this specific model, but I believe there are AWD models in the series and the problem does have the characteristics of worn sway bar bushes.

96' Nissan Pulsar I'm pretty sure its the N15 model to be exact. 1500cc (must be the N15 then. Fwd, real nana version. If that helps at all.


Best thing you can do is get a recommendation for a mech in Keri and get a quote. Shocks have to be done in pairs, ie both front wheels. But it needs to be looked at in any case. Can recommend in Whanga's but not up there sorry.

Any recommendations for in Whangarei would be fantastic. I'll be down on Thursday this week for an ultrasound, so I have the whole afternoon free. I'm extremely picky about places in Kerikeri, heard and have had far to many of my own horror stories.

[Max Preload]

96' Nissan Pulsar I'm pretty sure its the N15 model to be exact. 1500cc (must be the N15 then. Fwd, real nana version. If that helps at all.

Not off the top of my head, sorry. I have only ever owned one FWD and I've been off the tools (at least for employment) since before your car was made.

[smoky]

How soon do you need to find out about it ?

I'm away for a couple of weeks, but I'm sure I could organise a ride up north after that, and I'd be happy to stop by and check it out for you.

If you're not feeling any play in your steering, and it's particular to bumps in the road then it is most likely a blown insert.
The WOF should pick up any stuffed bushes in the suspension, but they very really pick up a stuffed shock on a WOF.

[XxKiTtiExX]

How soon do you need to find out about it ?

I'm away for a couple of weeks, but I'm sure I could organise a ride up north after that, and I'd be happy to stop by and check it out for you.

If you're not feeling any play in your steering, and it's particular to bumps in the road then it is most likely a blown insert.
The WOF should pick up any stuffed bushes in the suspension, but they very really pick up a stuffed shock on a WOF.



I can wait to get it looked at, thats certainly not a problem. Just hanging out to find out wether or not I have another bill to add to the list as it will definately become a priority. Its not spitting oil everywhere or grinding metal on metal or weaving all over the road anymore than it would normally with my useless driving lol (Laava has pm'd me details of someone to take my car to when I'm in Whangarei on Thursday so I'll see how that goes and I'll let you know, it might save yourself a very long trip. Your offer is muchly appreciated though!).
Serious question though, you do realize how far away I live don't you? :Pokey:

[smoky]

Serious question though, you do realize how far away I live don't you? :Pokey:

Of course - and I would relish the ride, and back. But see how you get on first.

[XxKiTtiExX]

Of course - and I would relish the ride, and back. But see how you get on first.

Will let you know, and thanks again :)