Hi, My punto has failed its MOT on 3 major points:

1. “Excessive catalyst emissions.” The paperwork shows hich co emissions Anyone know what’s causing this and how it can be remedied? How much should it cost? the MOT garage suggests replacing the air sensor - without any guarantees. Any comments?

2. Last year’s expensive garage fix was to replace worn radius arms and subframe assembly bushes. Its failed again due to the “subframe bushes incorrectly fitted” - the bushes should be on the bottom of the subframe and not the top!!! Can anyone advise?
Reading elsewhere it looks like the bushes should go on the bottom of the subframe with the open, “cup end,” upwards, touching the to the subframe? Can anyone confirm? Is this a quick/easy job – or will I have to go to that expensive garage? Suggested costs?

3. Finally, how easy is it to replace a front shock absorber?

Any advise would be welcome.

Hi, I'd return car to the garage that fitted the bushes,they should be beneath the subframe as you described! It's a simple job to swop them,just jack up car and support it on axle stands (put stands under sills or somewhere other than under subframe). Put a trolley jack under forward end of subframe to support it whilst you remove the bolts,then slowly lower jack just enough to get bushes out. Raise jack till subframe contacts chassis,then refit bushes and bolts.

Front shock isn't difficult,but a spring compressor is essential to compress spring whilst you swop it to new shock. If in doubt,don't risk it. Springs are very dangerous to mess about with without proper tools!

Emissions problem sounds like oxygen sensor,or maybe cat. Check the obvious first,air filter etc.

Chris.

Thanks

The garage replaced the lambda, but still had high co gas. replacing the cat resolved the problem.

The subframe bushed were refitted by the garage free of charge.

The shocks were quite straight forward to replace.

Thanks (again) for taking the time to respond to my SOS.