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!!)

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.

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. *kit*

[rickstv]

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

[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.

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.. 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.. 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.