car issues - help a girl out

[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...

[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.