Techie questions for a car mechanic....

[Deleted User]

What is a suspension link?

Other than by looking at it - what are the signs that it needs replacing?

My 1996 Nissan Micra (owned from new and FSH) was very recently serviced and had work done to get it thru the MOT including a welding job on the main cross member. I also had to have a replacement of the offside CV boot.

This work took place less than one month ago at a Nissan garage.

Twice in 2 days this week I have heard a groaning sound when pulling away turning immediately left. On both occasions the engine was cold and I was at the same junction, pulling away from standtill to turn left up a hill.

The sound appears to be coming from behind the front offside wheel and is definitely not the engine.

It has not done it before or since. The car drives beautifully and there are no other problems.

I slightly worried as to what this could be ad intend to contact the garage tomorrow. However, I would appreciate anyone 'in the know' giving an opinion meanwhile.

Is it the new CV boot which needs looking at again or the mysterious suspension link?

I have been told the suspenion link will need replacing at a cost of about £50 'within the next year'. Does this sound reasonable?

many thanks

skiddy2k

best website for this query is https://www.honestjohn.com
put a post out on there, the mechanics on the forum will be able to help you furthur,

Skiddy

chrisw

By suspension link, I presume you mean the drop link from the antiroll bar. I replaced mine on my primera which was an easy job and cost about £25, although a few years ago.
Failing suspension bits, generally, tend to tap and knock, particularly over uneven surfaces rather than groan. In view of the CV boot, I would first check the CV joint itself, especially if the old boot had been split for some time and allowed the grease out/water and grit in.

BobToo

Worn suspension can groan too, usually the groaning comes from seized bushes and/or joints. Problems with the CV joint would tend to cause clicking.

Groaning when steering with a cold engine suggests the fan belt to me. Just after you start the car the alternator has to work harder to top up the battery charge, when you pull away from a junction you're asking the power steering to work harder too. Both are driven by the same belt and it can slip when you try and increase the revs quite quickly, as you would when pulling out from a junction. If this is the source of your noise it's not really anything to worry about, although it's an idea to get the belt tightened a bit.

I've never seen the suspension link you mention but £50 sounds like a fair enough price. You might as well get it done sooner rather than later so you get longer with the new bit. Putting jobs off can result in you paying for stuff that's going to benefit the next owner rather than you.