Could this be car suspension problems?

Lady_K

My daughter had her MOT this morning and it passed. She told him about the noise and he said he couldn't find anything wrong but said if its anything it could be the spring that needs oiling . Is this possible to do without seeing a garage and is it going to cause any harm?

He also gave her some suggestions for things that weren't part of the MOT. He said her 2 back tyres were showing signs of old age (perishing) so shes going to have those done soon. Anyone know a rough cost for saxo mischief 1.0?

Also he said there is a small oil leak coming from the engine sump area although she's noticed nothing herself and nothing ever shows on the driveway when she stays here. Could this get worse fast and any ideas on the cost of that too?

Is it possible to oil the spring herself?

Paul_the_Painter

I had a long reply typed out but lost it when the Forum was shut down a couple of days ago.

Basically £50-£100 total for two tyres fitted.

Ignore oil leak, but check oil level regularly - every fortnight or so

Spray a bit of WD 40 onto the top of the spring if you want to, take care not to get any on the brakes.

Lady_K

Thanx yes a friend said to ignore the leak too. It must be very small as the oil doesnt really go down much at all but still wanted to ask as she had her first car blow up on her on the motorway because of an oil leak. It lead to the piston shooting through the engine, really scary she'd only been driving 3 months and was on her own and it was christmas day night We only realized after there were oil patches outside the house where she had parked so that was bad.

Is the spring easy to get to on a citroen saxo? She doesn't even know what it is or where to look for it. The mot tester said to take it to a garage but obviously if she can do it herself or get a friend to it would be cheaper. Is it difficult to avoid spraying the breaks?

Paul_the_Painter

Last car probably blew up because the oil level was never checked:rolleyes:

It is hard to describe exactly what to do as neither of you have any experiance in this are. Not to be funny but I would suggest you talk to your local College/Council and see if they have a basic car maintenance course, these are run by a lot of places and last for a day or two, or a few evenings, and cover such things as changing tyres, bulbs, oil, checking fluid levels - and what they all do, as well as giving an overview of how a car works. This would pay dividends inthe future, so that you are not at the mercy of garages ripping you off.

Lady_K

Yes thats a good idea I have thought of that before actually. My daughter is really busy though as a student nurse and would find it difficult to fit it in but when ever she can do this its worth thinking about.

The other car was her first a ford fiesta banger and I don't think she was aware of how to check things or prepare for winter etc but the oil leak was quite heavy really, we only noticed after she had left and got the phone call from her terrified on the motorway. There were quite big patches of oil on the road and drive, pools actually. She has learned though from that how to check things. I do not drive and I've brought them up as single parent so its been more difficult, everything gets learned the hard way but she tries very hard against all the odds

I will suggest it to her but she wont be able to do it for quite a long time though

Thanx again, the thanx button has gone again it will probably be back later