Car problem, diagnosis help! - (Update following MOT)

BeenieCat

I would google it but i don't know what to search for so i'll try and describe it here.

Bascially, whether driving forwards or reversing, when I turn the steering towards full right lock, it feels like it clicks and if the steering wheel tries to go left. As if it can't go any further and tries to snap back left.
That's not a great description i know but it's weird.

I'm hoping someone can give me an idea of what it could be, cos i'm clueless and i'm always paranoid that mechanics tell me blatant lies - at least if i have a fair idea before i see one, i might believe him more :rotfl:

It definitely didn't happen before, and i noticed it yesterday when pulling out of a parking space and it keeps doing it now

hartcjhart

car type and age will help

BeenieCat

Oops sorry

1996 (P) Citroen Saxo 1.1

(it was cheap!)

bevanuk

I am assuming it still goes all the way, but click as the wheel goes around.
Sounds like the ball joint (CV joint) needs replacing, this isn't urgent - but is something you want to get sorted.
The sooner it is repaired the less wear and tear will go onto the driveshaft - but don't be too surprised if they say that could do with the replacing also, it sometimes makes sense to replace that at the same time but it is unlikley.
If it is the CV joint ask them to check the otherside too, although they don't wear evenly it's worth a look (it won't cost if you are getting the other part sorted).
Good Luck - let me know if the above is correct.

bevanuk

Just seen your above post, if its a Saxo I'm even more confident about the diagnosis. Wouldn't even worry about getting the other side checked out - it's highly possible they have already been replaced in the past.

BeenieCat

bevan - yes it still goes all the way around, just clicks back and tries to undo my steering (i'm not v.strong lol, lack of power steering kills me as it is!).

I'm due my MOT soon, so i will have to get this done asap - any idea of the cost (i.e are we talking 100's). MOT expires Nov 6th

hartcjhart

if the steering wheel is trying to move back from whatever lock it is on sounds more like a track rod end

hartcjhart

having just seen your post re MOT,you can take it in for a test anytime now and it will give you a better idea of what it is (if it fails),
no point trying to fix this problem first then taking it in for MOT at a later date to find another one

bevanuk

hartcjhart wrote: »

if the steering wheel is trying to move back from whatever lock it is on sounds more like a track rod end

Sorry I actually overlooked that - it could be!

Either or shouln't be more that £100 with labour, neither are a big job on a Saxo. They would show up on your MOT, perhaps it is worth getting it done early - 2 birds one stone and all....

BeenieCat

So you think i should put it in for the MOT and just let them find it?

I was hoping (well ok, dreaming:rotfl:) to get it through first time, cos - will i have to pay for retest if it fails? Guess that's a question for the garage

I already know i need a new tyre but no idea what else it could fail on, it failed on emissions last year and it used to be quite smoky (only from the exhaust lol) but it's magically stopped recently.

BeenieCat

I only paid £300 for the car itself, so i keep thinking i don't wanna spend too much on repairs lol, but then again it's overall a reliable motor so i shouldn't grumble cos i know it's to be expected with such an old car.

I spent £100 on new discs and pads recently too, but was advised i'd need a new caliper soon, haven't done anything about that yet either.

Think this MOT is gonna bankrupt me :eek: But i'm having a baby in Dec so really need it over winter, DS's school is a bit far!