Technical Multipla Police car

[Timbob23]

Thought you guys might like to see our multipla ("Fabrice" after we got his heart beating again) - decked out in full "bandit patrol" livery - done for this year's Dumball Rally. Fabrice managed 5000 miles in 10 days - fully loaded with 4 big lads and a/c blowing cold at a steady 40mpg. Pretty solid hey.

Less solid was the suspension - it took an absolute beating on the roads in the Ukraine - feels completely wrecked. I have had the offside front ball joint replaced - it was apparently about to let go. But there is still a terrible knocking sound coming from the below the driver's feet under acceleration at low speed 1st and 2nd gear. Any ideas what this could be?

Also could anyone recommend a mechanic in the Bath area that could lavish the love Fabrice needs so badly...

Thanks all.

 

[Devious]

She's awesome.
Check the recall thread in the multi section.
Ta

 

[Timbob23]

Thanks Devious, but I don't think a spring has actually broken. Suspension seems ok (a bit of patter from the anti-roll bar) while cruising, but when you accelerate it makes an awful knocking sound, almost like the torque is causing the wheel to displace and then maybe the driveshaft knocks on a suspension component. Ohhh I don't know. Need a specialist...surely there are some multipla friendly mechanics that you guys out there can recommend...somewhere in the south west... PLEASE!!!

 

[widemouthfrog]

Try Nick at Optima in Wootton Bassett 01793 840667. He's a non-franchised Fiat and Alfa specalist and knows his way around the Multipla well. I've used him a few times and he's very good.

The only problem is I think he's away on his hols at the end of the week. Not sure for how long.

 

[boilermansab]

Engine mount maybe?

 

[Paddynabs]

Love the car! Is all that permanent? What's the Dumball Rally all about then? Do tell! You could also try the droplinks as changing those of mine cured all manner of knocking. (Still knocks a bit though...)

 

[Timbob23]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Sad news I'm afraid, turns out it is the gearbox. Apparently the roads were harsh enough that we've sheared the gearbox mounts off. Not sure whether its worth repairing really...

Dumball is an amazing event - 150 participants, ~50 cars, 3000miles, 13 countries and £85k raised for Teenage Cancer Trust. Max spend on the car is £400. Unbelievable fun for a great cause. Have a look... dumball.org

 

[Timbob23]

Well sadly Fabrice died earlier this year, but the good news is that Dumball 2014 has just been announced. We are definitely going to buy another multipla to take with us - Africa is the rumoured destination.

Any suggestions for the theme? We were thinking off-road, monster truck, desert-safari something like that. Ever heard of anyone jacking up a multipla with a suspension lift?

All ideas gratefully received...