Sping is here... well, one way or the other.
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/wonderlan/SpringIsHere?authkey=OHZFtQbyNNA
I am supposed to be in work but I took the advice of a fellow motorist and pulled over. Apparently there was a bit of blue smoke coming from the driver side front wheel. Can you see what the problem is?
The most gutting aspect of this is that I got new tyres on the front just last month. Marvelous.
It seems there is a recall on my car due to the front spring snapping resulting in it rubbing the tyre. My car is 04 plate so I am not sure this will apply to me..
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/expand.asp?uniqueID=9C312D6B5AC3BA608025709A005AEEC6
The freaky thing is, the exact same thing happened to my mums C3 last month and hers is a 54 plate and the dealer did it under warranty.
I have a hire car arrange so I can get to work tomorrow. The Citroen dealer service desk opens at 8am tomorrow morning so I am going to be calling them first thing and calling Green Flag out to take my car to them. I cant be arsed with this right now but oh well... :) At least I stopped and didnt carry on driving with it like that. I would have had a blow out.
good excuse to drop some coilovers in :)
Bad show it jumping out of the cup like that - was the road wild bumpy or anything ? Or did you have any take off situations lol
There are speed bumps on our estate but I dont drive over them at 20+mph like most of my neighbours. Normally 10-15mph at most. Having said that, it was making the noise as soon as I set off this afternoon. There was no noises when I parked my car a few days ago. Just like when my mums snapped it appears to have happened why the car was stationary on our driveway...
I have since noticed in one of the pics you can see rubber marks on the spring which means the wheel has caused the spring to rotate in the well. I cant think what the technical term is right now.... mount? something like that anyway.
thats safe. typical french sh*t.
exactly the samthing happened to my old megane.
Breaking or jumping out of its seat?
Quote from: Deaths HeadBreaking or jumping out of its seat?
the cup (that keeps the spring in) snapped and made the tyre blow out, lucky i was only going slow.
Whos suspension are they being made to use nowadays by peugeot ?
I know there was a time when all the sh*t stuff (206 being the main culprit) was actually made in england, but they closed that factory I believe
Well, I believe the dealer has admitted that its a fault and will be done free of charge. They are dragging their feet over the tyre. I dont believe they can argue that they shouldnt replace the tyre and win. The only reason I need a tyre is because the spring has failed and they have agreed that it was faulty by agreeing to repalce that for free.
Also, I saw the broken part of spring on the slip road so on my way home from work I stopped and picked it up. Its safe to say with 90% conviction that these were formerly one whole spring.
(http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/5541/cimg0691alb1.th.jpg) (http://img238.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg0691alb1.jpg) (http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9346/cimg0711avu1.th.jpg) (http://img210.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg0711avu1.jpg)
(http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/8254/cimg0717vv6.th.jpg) (http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg0717vv6.jpg) (http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2115/cimg0721wc2.th.jpg) (http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg0721wc2.jpg)
Its very interesting that both ends are rusted. I dont know how that can be possible unless it has been cracked for some time.
Oh, this is the piece I picked up off the slip road.
(http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/135/cimg0713cp9.th.jpg) (http://img119.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cimg0713cp9.jpg)
steel will rust in hours tbh - look at your brake discs when your car has been stood out overnight
True, but maybe not that much. Also, the initial photos are straight after its broken so unless it rusts in dry conditions in the space of 30 minutes I am very surprised its in that condition.
If they drag their feet, is it worth getting vehicle inspectorate involved?
Looks like a stress fracture, those dont normally happen overnight. Its been going for a long time and then the final bit went.
^^^ they always break like that (if they do)
stress = weight of car :o
true.
its rusted like that as the plastic cover (or paint) has come off with the constant compression of the spring - happens any springs that are coated that way.
Happens on VWs all the time but doesnt usually give any trouble unless it would brake somewhere in the middle of the spring but I have only seen it happen like on yours, half a "turn" on top of spring hardly noticeable while driving. I am surprised that it did so much damage on yours, tyres must be very close to spring in the first place for that to happen.
Quote from: Marktrue.
its rusted like that as the plastic cover (or paint) has come off with the constant compression of the spring - happens any springs that are coated that way.
So what youre saying is that at the break point it will be rusted too? Im not sure I understand fully what you mean. Im referring to the cross section surfaces.
I think mark means the outside of the metal, not the actual break....
but.... it could have been broken a week and you just didnt notice it ? maybe it only just turned around and caught they tyre recently....
Bear, in this photo (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/wonderlan/SpringIsHere/photo?authkey=OHZFtQbyNNA#5183567730940495922) the thing at the top of the photo is the seat for the spring. Normally the spring is entirely above the wheel so when it let go its expanded down and then touches the tyre. You can see that the seat does over hang the tyre slightly.
Alan, that is certainly possible, though Id struggle to explain the bang I heard when it let go unless the main part of the spring has been on the edge of the seat and that was when it went over the edge.
cough*you mean this photo (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/wonderlan/SpringIsHere/photo?authkey=OHZFtQbyNNA#5183567816839841890)*cough
Quote from: knightyI think mark means the outside of the metal, not the actual break....
but.... it could have been broken a week and you just didnt notice it ? maybe it only just turned around and caught they tyre recently....
sure do - the surface rust
Quote from: Deaths HeadBear, in this photo the thing at the top of the photo is the seat for the spring. Normally the spring is entirely above the wheel so when it let go its expanded down and then touches the tyre. You can see that the seat does over hang the tyre slightly.
Alan, that is certainly possible, though Id struggle to explain the bang I heard when it let go unless the main part of the spring has been on the edge of the seat and that was when it went over the edge.
Ok I did not take a close look on all photos, I has slipped pass its seat !!! havnt seen that before, I have seen the weld rusted loose and the seat it self slipping down but not that the spring itself managed to go past the seat you must have driven a while with the broken spring for that to happen.
Quote from: knightycough*you mean this photo*cough
That one doesnt show it as well as the one I posted as long as you know in my pic thats its the seat that is just in frame.
I tyhought you were pointing out Id posted a bit of porn by accident ;)
BTW, Citroen have agreed to repair and replace the tyre for free. I wonder what their face will be like when I plonk the invoice for my hire car on their desk.
Quote from: Deaths HeadQuote from: knightycough*you mean this photo*cough
That one doesnt show it as well as the one I posted as long as you know in my pic thats its the seat that is just in frame.
I tyhought you were pointing out Id posted a bit of porn by accident ;)
ahhh, i thought that was the spring, not the seat ;)
Oh, am I not happy right now.
Short story is I now have my car back. Although the tyre is a Goodyear Eagle F1 it has a different tread pattern to the other 3 tyres I have on my car. And it seems one of the monkeys at the dealership has taken offence to my car and slammed the door so hard that it now rattles when driving at 5 mph. I am not happy.
Long story follows.
Oh, if only it had been that easy. On Monday I called at 9am and noon leaving messages for them to call me. At 3pm they call me back to say It may be ready later that day or first thing the morning after. I reply that isnt good enough because I need to know as I start work at 6.30am. "Uhm" was the reply. He went away to consult the "big guy" who is doing my suspension. After a few minutes on hold Im told it will be Tuesday as they are still waiting on the tyre. This does cause me a big of grief due to how I am getting about at the moment but nevermind.
Today they call me at noon to say the tyre has arrived and it will definitely be done today. I asked what time it will be ready so I can arrange getting over there as I will need the dealer to pick me up. "Uhm" again was the reply. Apparently all of the mechanics had gone for their lunch but they will call me as soon as its done.
Eventually they phone up and say its done. I agree to being picked up at the local Tesco as they didnt have the availability to pick me up from home which would have been easiest for me. I leave work good and early but then thanks to a lorry driver killing some people it took me 95 minutes to get from Warrington to Bury so being picked up at Tesco is out of the window and makes me getting both my car and the one I am driving at the moment back home a right pain in the arse.
So time is short, the first thing I notice is that the tyre has a different tread despite it saying Goodyear Eagle F1. Same size markings too. Next while moving the C2 I notice that there is a loud rattle coming from the driver side door, I dont have time to investigate so I nip back in to the dealership and let the service desk know that I think something is wrong with the door but I dont have time now to investigate.
I get back home in my other car and get back to Bury and pick up my C2. Now I have time to investigate. The interior panel of the door is rattling. I can put my arm against it and it will stop but as soon as I take my arm away it starts again. And the rattle is loud. There is no way they would have missed the rattle just moving the car out of the garage and onto the forecourt.
Im going to have to try very hard not to go nuclear when talking to them on the phone tomorrow. I wish I could do it in person but I start work at 6.30am all week and no way I can do it in person... unless... Hmm, something to ponder. Regardless, Bury Citroen are ****ing useless ****s.
Hmmm. They have fitted a GS-D2 and the rest of my tyres are GS-D3s. Its going back to citroen.
Here is a game I like to play. Its called spot the difference. You may win a prize if you get it right.
(http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1603/1315ug9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us) (http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/5533/gdyhzmanggy6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
I didnt even think they still sold the old GS-D2s, I thought the GS-D3 was the new replacement, so maybe it was old stock? In any case, monkiness has crept in and theyve not checked what tyre they were getting properly.
Typical mechanics/garages :disappointed:
incompetence seems to be normal in main dealers, despite the £130ph labour charges Audi are just as bad.
independant specialists are your friends. Some should be able to carry out warrenty work too.
Theyre not having any of it. They refuse to acknowledge that the despite the tire being different its fit for purpose and they will not replace it with the exact same. In fact they claimed the the GS-D2 was better than the GS-D3. Looking online its actually the opposite. The D2 is the old model and the D3 is the new model of tyre. Looking on the Goodyear website the D2 is not listed but the D3 is.
Ive ordered a GS-D3 from my local tyre place where I had the two fitted last month so I will write a letter detailing whats gone on and request refund for the tire Ive had to buy and they can contact me to arrange the collection of their tire.
Also the door rattle is "wear and tear" after 50,000 miles and it was fine when the franchise manager himself took it for a test drive... Oh, and I had to prove it wasnt rattling before it went in. They would look at it but would charge me for the priveledge. Fortunately, after 10 miles to work this morning the rattle stopped so hopefully thats the last of that.
They also said no chance to the hire car as it was my choice to get that... I didnt have a choice since I didnt choose for the spring to snap. They accepted liability for that by replacing the two front saprings. That kept getting thrown in my face that they didnt have to do that or replace the tire. If that was the case why did they agree to replace the spring and tire for free? That argument makes no sense.
One thing that is coming out of this I will never be buying a Citroen again nor will I be using BCC or Bury Citroen again. I had been tempted by a C2 1.6 HDi but no more.
From reading on the web it is unwise to have different tires on an axle, is that right? Its ok to have front and rear different (within reason) but having one side different to the other is a big no no?
Yay for Microsoft:
http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/guides_and_advice/article.aspx?cp-documentid=635503
Quote#9: Install tires in matched pairs or complete sets
Installing different tires on the left and right sides can significantly upset the handling balance of a vehicle -- not to mention its ABS operation. For that reason, it is imperative that tires be installed in front or rear pairs, or complete sets.
Those pairs should be the same construction, size, brand and type, with approximately the same tread wear. In most cases, if you have to buy one new tire, you should buy a pair.
It is essential that side-to-side pairs be the same and highly desirable that front and rear pairs also be matched, except in cases such as high-performance cars with larger tires in the rear.
If you replace only two, the new tires should generally go on the rear wheels, regardless of whether the vehicle is FWD, RWD, or AWD. It is important to maintain maximum traction at the rear wheels to ensure stability. Putting new tires on the front and nearly worn-out tires on the rear wheels of any vehicle is a recipe for instability. It is thus very important to avoid dramatic differences in tread wear, front-to-rear.
Under no circumstances should you have tires of different construction (radial and bias ply) or different classification (all-season and winter) on opposite ends or sides, as handling can be adversely affected.
Yep, they have totally different tread patterns and thus, different handling characteristics. There were different tyres on each corner of my MX-5 when I bought it and frankly it was dangerous seeing as it is RWD. I had a few low speed incidents where the backend flew out for no good reason - since changes tyres Ive not had it happen once. You could argue its simply because Ive bought better rubber than was on there, but Im sure that was a contributing factor. I knew I was right about the GS-D2s though, youre being fobbed off Kris.
I spoke with the guy that owns the tyre place and he said that the GS-D2 would only be an issue if it was under severe conditions. Ive still had it swapped to a GS-D3 but I trust him alot more than I trust the Citroen dealer so I am going to drop the matter. It does mean I need to speak to the dealer to get the paperwork for the work done so I can stick it in my log book and a receipt of some form for the tyire should I sell it so I can prove it was new and only has 110 miles on it.
The door rattle has stopped for the time being so I am dropping that. So the only thing left is the hire car.
Well, it seems lightning does strike twice. My rear drivers side has now also snapped. The car is still currently drivable. However, I cant afford to have my car in the garage for a week while they ask Citroen UK to authorise to replace it for free.
(http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2772/cimg2700cimg2701large.th.jpg) (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/cimg2700cimg2701large.jpg/)
(not blaming you) but that looks liek its been hit from underneath ?
I can see what you mean, the lower mount is bent upwards.
that looks like the spring has slid off the seat after an impact right enough
I dont think it is the mounting that is damaged just the plastic/rubber cover has distorted with the spring sitting differently.
I dont think it has had an impact, its just french and made of garlic.
ahh yes, if thats a rubber mount over the top of the steel mount then that would explain it... i wasnt expecting the rubber bit to be so big...
That part on my youngest brothers C2 VTS is hard steel, looks a bit different.
VTS has different springs to the VTR/GT. Yes its a rubber seat that the spring sits on.