N/S front damper

[Andrew65]

Hi all ,

I have had this little annoying rattle recently, so having only bought the car last month I rang the dealer that I purchased it from and he agreed to let me take to my local garage to find the problem. It turns out that the near side front damper needs to be replaced. My question is, is this an expensive repair and is it one of those repairs that both sides should be done at the same time.

All your views and ideas very much welcome

Thanks

Andrew

[Old Peter]

Hi Andrew,

 

Is the Dealer from whom you bought your car going to pay/contribute to the repair?

 

The cost of a new part is around £70.  And the labour charge would depend if you went to a main dealer [expensive] or an independent garage.

 

I think the damage to the nearside damper could have been caused by bumping over a kerb on a regular basis, so it might be just one side, but while one side is being looked at, I think it would be worth looking at the other side too.

 

Let us know how it goes.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[Andrew65]

Peter

Thanks for the advice, my local garage has advised me that both sides should be done at the same time. That have been very good to me for the past 2 years servicing my old car and the wife's 3 pointed star. The only problem is, he is struggling to get a price and availability, so I thought I might send a post to Trevor. (jagslag) seeing that he is a dealer, you know local contacts that might be able to help. I would rather my local garage do as the dealer I purchased from is some distance from me and is unable to loan me a car while the work is being carried out.

Thanks again,

Andrew

Sorry that I couldn't make the motor museum I was already committed that day, should try this again in the future I try to make it.

[Old Peter]

Good idea, Andrew.

 

Trevor is a Jag enthusiast, and as he says, all advice is free, but bring your own biscuits.

 

I have been using the same mobile mechanic for 13 years and he is very good -- but with my old 1999 Rover sterling I could often find the bits online that he couldn't.

 

Loyalty does pay off!

 

The meet in October did not have a great deal of interest, but maybe around Easter next year,

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[Andrew65]

High all

Just picked up my xtype today after having the n/s damper sorting, or so I thought. It turned out that that though it was not this after all after closer inspection and them test driving the car, the rattling noise is coming from the back, it's the back box on the exhaust. I contacted the dealer to advise him and he told me that this was not covered on the warrenty, I can understand this, but the problem I have is that when I test drove the car the rattle was there and he promised to have it repaired, he then informed me that his mechanic had found a stick/twig had got caught under the car. Not having noticed the rattle straight away due to having the ac on and the hot weather, I never herd the noise again until a couple of weeks later, when I was driving with the windows down. My question really is should he be paying or is it just one of those things and down to me.

Look forward to hearing your views

Thanks

Andrew

[Andrew65]

Hi all,

Thanks to all those who have given some friendly advise. Picked up the XType this afternoon from the garage after having the back box replace. To my amazement they told me the told me there was no charge that's right F O C,they found that they back box was making the rattling noise but not the only problem, they found that the previous, had the pads change and they had not put back the retaining spring hence the rattle, they decided not to remove the back box after fitting and said that I could keep the new one fitted. It just goes to show that people do make mistakes and also own up to them.

Well the garge I have been using is Halfords auto centre. Just In case anyone doesn't beleive in there brakes for life, that's your life not the cars, as long as you tell them within 2 weeks of changing cars they will transfer to your new car.

I will be carrying on using them

Thanks again

Andrew

[Old Peter]

Hi Andrew,

 

I am glad you got it all sorted, and now you will start enjoying your car.

 

I also use a mobile mechanic for service and repairs  but for tyres I always go to Halfords Auto centres  and I have built up a good relationship there  ---  they seem to keep the same staff.

 

The last time I changed a pair of tyres after a pothole damaged one, I asked for a the tracking to be checked.  They forgot to do it - I spotted it when I got the invoice, and they fixed up the appointment the next day, corrected it but waived the £30 charge.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[KEN33Y]

Over the many years of motoring when I've been in the situation whereupon shocks needed replacing then I have always replaced them in pairs and believe the majority of engineers would advise likewise.

[Old Peter]

Quiet correct, Ken. I always replace tyres the same way, and never change them round.

 

Peter.