Technical D-Day on Saturday

[MikesMultipla]

Saturday is D-Day for the Multipla. It's going in the garage to find out what is going on with my rear suspension and subframe (fear the subframe is badly corroded), and also diagnose why, unless I'm within turbo revs (above 2000), my car doesn't accelerate. Have a number in my head of what i'm willing to spend to get it back on the road. If it exceeds this, it's on ebay sunday.

 

[chr1s]

Please post the diagnoses, and any photos, even if you decide to get rid. At my Multipla's last MOT, the tester told me that that the rear sub-frame / fixed axle is on its way out, due to corrosion at the spring top mounts.
I'm waiting until warmer, dryer days to examine it closely and, probably, fit a new sub-frame.
A few other jobs will also need doing, so I've been weighing up whether the repair costs are justified. But I can't find another model of car which comes close to what I like about the Multipla (6 seater, short, spacious, comfortable seats, etc.). The best I can find is the Citroen C3 Picasso (but only 5 seat, smaller luggage space, seats not removeable).

 

[MikesMultipla]

I know my rear subframe is corroded as I've seen it myself. EGR is clogged an an engine sensor I believe is faulty too. My wheels at the back are looking at a bad angle so likely trail arm issues (I think).

 

[boilermansab]

Where is the corrosion?

 

[chr1s]

I know my rear subframe is corroded as I've seen it myself. EGR is clogged an an engine sensor I believe is faulty too. My wheels at the back are looking at a bad angle so likely trail arm issues (I think).

If the trailing arm bearings are worn out, causing the bad angle of the rear wheels, and if the fixed rear axle also needs to be replaced, then make sure the garage quote to replace just the bearings, not the complete arms.

New bearings cost a fraction of the cost of complete new trailing arms, but garages usually replace the complete arms to save on labour. (Understandably, because it can be a pig of a job to get the old bolts and bearings out with the arms in situ).

The bolts through these bearings, hinging the trailing arms to the rear axle, will need to be removed as part of replacing the rear axle. The trailing arms will probably be removed from the car along with the old rear axle. So it should be cheaper to knock out the old bearings and fit new ones, rather than fitting complete new arms.

 

[chr1s]

Where is the corrosion?

I'm guessing that the corrosion is like mine. The turrets which the bump stops fit into have largely rusted away, and the rust will start to eat the surrounding metalwork, where the tops of the springs sit.

This is a photo I took of the good side (nearside) in 2011.

 

[MikesMultipla]

That's pretty much correct Chris, except my springson the right side are completely detached. Noticed it when changing the drums and shoes a month ago.
Having driven a Scirocco the last few days, it has really pointed out to me the flaws the Multipla has and is making me really consider getting rid.

Thanks for the advice on the bearings too.

 

[chr1s]

And this is a photo of the offside, today