Technical mot it passed yipee

[AUTOMATIC]

Hi Panda Guys and Gurls,


My Panda passed the mot test wow I was not expecting it .. but it say that the nearside front Macpherson strut needs attention ....


Question whats is the Macpherson strut is ??? Any links where to get it ...?


Ta Ginger

 

[JD82]

Sounds a bit vague as there are many parts in a Machperson strut. It is basically your front suspension. I am guessing one of the wishbones might be rusty?

 

[Goudrons]

The Mac strut is the unit made up of the front shock, spring and top mount.

I'd go back and ask them to clarify what they mean, though it now seems ever more common for them to "advisory" rusty springs or if the coating is flaking off.
A broke spring, leaking shocker, worn top mount would most likely fail the test.

 

[captainslarty]

The McPherson strut is the front shock absorber unit that also locates the front spring and swivel top. At the lower end is a location for the hub assembly.

 

[AUTOMATIC]

It says Macpherson strut has slight movement at upper attachment.... then its got a code (2.5.a1c)


and any ideas what cause front tyres wearing unevenly ???


Ta Ginger

 

[captainslarty]

the uneven tyre wear could well be because "Macpherson strut has slight movement at upper attachment. "

This would allow the steering and wheel alignment geometry to vary slightly as the vehicle was moving.
Otherwise, there are many causes tracking, tyre pressures, hard driving to name a few.

At the top of the strut is a roller bush in a rubberised mounting, this allows the strut to turn with the steering, this is where your slight movement is apparently..
It would need a new top to cure it, that means removing the strut assembly, compressing the spring, removing the top plate, replacing the top plate and refitting. Not too hard a job but you need some good spring compressors and a decent socket and spanner set. when you remove the hub from the lower part of the strut, tie it up so it doesn't hang on the brake flexy pipe. !

I would tend to leave it unless it is causing an issue, check tyre pressures first. for the strut to cause the tyre wear it would usually have to be fairly bad movement which would normally fail it...

 

[varesecrazy]

the tracking is a bit "soft" on the panda,
ours gets knocked out quite regularly..

Nationwide / Kwik fit do free checks I believe

that's where I go..,
Nationwide Autocentres - Oxford Branch.

 

[Goudrons]

There's a mount and bearing at the top of the strut.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STRUT-TOP...Car+Make:Fiat|Model:Panda&hash=item3a8bea069f
These can wear and give a little play.

Not so common, but possible, is the rod/bush in the shock can wear.
You usually notice fluid leaking out of the bush where the rod enters the shock body first, so I'd say it's the mount.
Problem worth doing both sides at the same time.

 

[varesecrazy]

There's a mount and bearing at the top of the strut.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STRUT-TOP...Car+Make:Fiat|Model:Panda&hash=item3a8bea069f
These can wear and give a little play.

here's a GUIDE if you are planning on DIY


https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-guides/339389-panda-suspension-droplinks-front-overhaul-gars2.html

Charlie

 

[jrkitching]

Be aware also that there is often some play in the top mounts when the strut is hanging free (as it is when the body is jacked up). Occasionally MOT testers can misinterpret this as excessive wear; it is only an issue if there is movement in the top mounting when the weight of the car is on the wheels.

Try rocking the top of the tyre from side to side with the car on the ground - if there is any noticable play, you are most likely going to have to replace something. Worn wheel bearings will also give rise to excessive play, but usually make themselves known by whining.

Wear is most common in the large rubber mounts inside the wings at the top of the strut; these can be replaced without actually dismantling the strut and no special tools are required. Sometimes the top bearings insde the strut also become worn; in this case, the strut itself must be dismantled and you'll need to buy or hire suitable spring compressors.

 

[Goudrons]

JR's right about the suspensions weight hanging.
Quite a lot of play can either be taken up or introduced with the wheels hanging in the air.

Another top mount check it to pop the bonnet and get someone to drive back and forth a short distance.
Carefully watch each sides shock rod with the nut that poke through the top of the inner wing.
When drive is taken up or the brakes are applied, if the rod/nut flops back and forth inside the mount, the mount/bearing wants changing.