General Multipla mechanic?

[Multieeeka]

Hi there.
I’m new here as i am struggling with my Multipla. I have a 04 reg which is slowly crumbling all around me. I love it and it is the perfect seating arrangement for my family - 4 children, 1 partner.... but all the garages hate it!
Does anyone know of a reliable and honest mechanic in the West Midlands, one who will not just tell me to change my car?!? I’ve had new brake cylinders and hand brake cables but the hand brake is all over the place. My garage says it’s a problems with the self tensioning system and that new parts will have to ordered from Italy. Is that about right?
I’m not a car mechanic nor would I like to be one, so I am somewhat at their mercy.
I’ve only had this car since last summer and it has required quite a lot of attention but .... it is 15 years old!
Thank you for reading / in advance for responding.

 

[widemouthfrog]

I think you could do worse than ask Oletimer for advice on that....

Parts supply for the handbrake and cables are fine in the UK. I think you're being told some porkies. If the cables have been replaced (and correctly fitted) it sounds to me as though the ratchet adjusters need sorting out or replacing. A simple job and not too expensive.

 

[Multieeeka]

I think you could do worse than ask Oletimer for advice on that....

Parts supply for the handbrake and cables are fine in the UK. I think you're being told some porkies. If the cables have been replaced (and correctly fitted) it sounds to me as though the ratchet adjusters need sorting out or replacing. A simple job and not too expensive.

That’s it - the ratchet adjusters! I’ve been told the parts have to come from Italy, at a price!
Where do look?
Thank you thank you!

 

[widemouthfrog]

Before buying any more parts, I'd try to get the car checked independently to see if the recently-fitted parts have been fitted correctly. Once that's been established, then look at replacing the ratchet adjusters:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Multipla-Rear-Brake-Shoe-Adjuster-New-Genuine-9947942-x1/371873283940?fits=Model%3AMultipla&epid=5017011909&hash=item56955fff64:g:8RMAAOSw3v5YrGcF

or here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brake-Shoe-Adjuster-for-Fiat-Palio-Marea-Multipla-9947942/322438691589?hash=item4b12d7fb05:g:7HcAAOSwvv9ZfvZD

There may well be others. One required per side (of the car). If they haven't been replaced for some time, then it's highly likely that the current ones are broken; they're known for not lasting too long. I'd say 4-5 years or so is about the average, but if they are regularly checked, maintained and greased they'll last a lot longer than that.

 

[Multieeeka]

Thank you for your help.
I’ll go to garage no. 3 to get it checked!

 

[Oletimer]

Hello mate, I've only just seen your post (been bizzy with my boat so not been online for a few weeks)
Gizza shout an I'll do what I can for ya.
I live in Wolves, just off the Willenhall Rd.
As WMF already said, I may be able to help.
Cheers
George

 

[Oletimer]

Looks like he's sorted then. . .

 

[Multieeeka]

I did get it fixed! Thank you.
Since then had other hiccups and expenses and finally have given up on the Multipla.
It is in East Devon, waiting to be scrapped. I’m wondering whether anyone wants it for spares/repair.
It’s had (since June 2918) new wishbone, brake cylinders, handbrake cables, drop links, coil spring.... EGR valve last month. Then last week the clutch pedal went to floor with no resistance and stayed there.
RAC diagnosed slave cylinder failure. Garage replaced but still can’t get into gears. It’s been suggested that it needs a new clutch. (It has had a new clutch in it’s life before I met it.)

So, it’s an 04 reg blue Multipla with twin electric sunroof. MOT til December. Slight oil leak. If anyone can make use of it, let me know.