Failed MOT on suspension, need a good mechanic or to sell
Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:59 am
I have a black 5th gen, 2.2 4WS. I've had it for several years and over that time I've had a fair bit of work done to it (see below) and poured a lot of money into it. I love the car, but I've none of the time, space or expertise to do major work on it myself.
It recently failed its MOT, basically because the suspension is knackered. This is something that's been coming for a long time: the car rattles and clangs in uncomfortable ways despite continuing to handle great. Here's the suspension related stuff from the MOT:
Failed on:
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Offside Rear Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))
And some related advisories:
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))
Offside Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))
Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
According to my usual garage, finding parts for this will be challenging and expensive, if possible at all.
Based on the things I've read in this forum, I suspect my usual garage of lacking in imagination.
So to get to the question: I'm in Cornwall, can anyone recommend a garage or specialist in or near the Southwest that would be interested in taking on this work, including the sourcing of parts? I'm travelling and otherwise stupidly busy with work for the next few months so if it is going to happen, need somebody else to do it.
The other option is selling it to someone who does have the time, energy and expertise to give this thing the proper care.
Some of the things I've had done to it in the past few years:
* new window motors and controller
* new clutch, timing done, new bottom pulley
* addressed rust in rear wheel arches and boot cover
* ignition module, coil, rotor arm
* rear hub replaced
* most of the exhaust and catalytic converter
* rocker cover gasket
* front drop links and cv boots
And usual tyre and brake maintenance.
Selling it would be unfortunate, because whenever I get in any other car I'm reminded of why the prelude is great, but it kind of feels like maybe this one has reached the point where it needs a dedicated carer and I'm not able to do that.
What do you think?
Thanks.
It recently failed its MOT, basically because the suspension is knackered. This is something that's been coming for a long time: the car rattles and clangs in uncomfortable ways despite continuing to handle great. Here's the suspension related stuff from the MOT:
Failed on:
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Offside Rear Lower Suspension component ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))
And some related advisories:
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))
Offside Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))
Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
According to my usual garage, finding parts for this will be challenging and expensive, if possible at all.
Based on the things I've read in this forum, I suspect my usual garage of lacking in imagination.
So to get to the question: I'm in Cornwall, can anyone recommend a garage or specialist in or near the Southwest that would be interested in taking on this work, including the sourcing of parts? I'm travelling and otherwise stupidly busy with work for the next few months so if it is going to happen, need somebody else to do it.
The other option is selling it to someone who does have the time, energy and expertise to give this thing the proper care.
Some of the things I've had done to it in the past few years:
* new window motors and controller
* new clutch, timing done, new bottom pulley
* addressed rust in rear wheel arches and boot cover
* ignition module, coil, rotor arm
* rear hub replaced
* most of the exhaust and catalytic converter
* rocker cover gasket
* front drop links and cv boots
And usual tyre and brake maintenance.
Selling it would be unfortunate, because whenever I get in any other car I'm reminded of why the prelude is great, but it kind of feels like maybe this one has reached the point where it needs a dedicated carer and I'm not able to do that.
What do you think?
Thanks.