General brava suspension query

[bravachick]

Hi all,

Could someone help me out on this? I have a Fiat Brava R reg, 1.6 with about 76.000 miles on clock. Recently when ever I go over a pot hole or 'humps' my front wheels make an awful 'cranking' noise and I can feel every hole or hump it hits. Today, I went over a pot hole and as I felt the wheels 'thud' against the hole it also caused the gear to slip out of 3rd gear.
I looked under the front wheels and noticed the drivers side suspension (the coil thingi) was covered in oil. Can you tell me if its the suspension thats gone and if I could use the parts (if I use any) from a P reg Fiat Brava 1.4? And also, is it a big job and a costly one if I can't use the spare parts from another Brava?

I do apprieciate your help.

Bravachick

 

[custard]

sounds like a dead shock.
these must be replaced in pairs,i wouldnt recommend 2nd hand suspension parts TBH

 

[Hellcat]

For a 1.4 Brava the front shock absorbers are super cheap.

I wouldn't drive the car until you get it sorted. The handling will be severely impacted - if you need to brake in an emergency you will probably find that you bounce down the road. Dangerous and the police may pull you if they notice the suspension bouncing.

 

[Stark]

When i needed shocks i got them from here, quite reasonable and fast delivery.
http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/index.cfm/method/catalogue.list/
Hope this helps.

 

[bravachick]

well, it was the suspension that was knacked! and the knocking noise was a bolt that was missing from behind the suspension. I think it held the engine or something together. Mechanic was surprised I was still alive!!!

So now my Brava is back on the road, and boy it feels good. My partner wanted me to get a people carrier like a Renualt Senic and him use MY Brava for work! (which is building work) Not a chance in Hell! Told him to sod off, get a van and leave me with my Brava. He's already wrecked my last Brava, which is parked outside my home as I can't/wont let it go to scrappers!

 

[Hellcat]

Missing bolts are always interesting.

My last marea was missing the 8 inch bolt which provides the main fixing for the altenator.. No idea how that was still under tension!

 

[jug]

My last marea was missing the 8 inch bolt which provides the main fixing for the altenator

my 1.6 bravo was the same!

maybe it was an optional extra when new

 

[Hellcat]

FAST found it like that when they did it's cambelt. Luckily they had a scrap 105JTD Marea Weekend in the workshop and replaced mind from there :slayer:

 

[Tomasso]

How about the oil on springs? Did you test your shocks for effectiveness?

 

[jug]

How about the oil on springs? Did you test your shocks for effectiveness?

already replaced them