Being the owner of a busy garage has many “ups and downs.”. One of the more pleasant aspects of the job is seeing the number of different cars and car models that would appear in any given week.
This past week has seen cars as diverse as a Rolls Royce Wraith ( which was one of only 220 cars produced) to a Wolsey Hornet Mini from the late 1960s, not counting the everyday cars such as Ford Fiestas and VW Golfs. We had a Citroen DS3 call in to us early in the week with rattling car brakes.
It was in my favourite colour, a very bright red ( I love red cars). We put the citroen car with the Noisy Car Brakes on a ramp and removed all the wheels to check the Brakes, and sure enough, the front pads were worn down to the metal and the friction from “metal to metal” had also damaged the front discs. The rear brakes were cleaned and checked and were good for further use.
We contacted the customer and was given the go-ahead to replace the brakes
Of course, this meant that the customer was getting good-quality brakes with a nation-wide guarantee. The job was completed and the customer went on his way. Importantly, I took a couple of pictures because I am a great fan of the Citroen DS3.
The colours are very bright and modern-looking,
with a choice of 11 colours and four different roof colours, You can even have colour-coded alloy wheels and different carpet designs. There is also a sports version known as the D-Sport, which comes with blue teeth and climate control. The car also include 17-inch alloy wheels; the one I looked at came with Yokohama tyres and looked great. They also come out with additional body modifications and really look very stylish.
This car, in my opinion, is a great tribute
to the newCitroen DS3 designers, who had to compete with the BMW Mini and the great little Fiat 500.
More reading…
The DS3 is the first in a range of very different Citroen models that put the emphasis on style and personality, along with strong performance and driver appeal. With its stylish look and compact size, it’s easy to see why so many comparisons have been drawn with the popular MINI and Fiat 500.“
“The engine combines strong low-rev performance – 110bhp at 3600rpm and 199lb ft at 2000rpm, enough for a sub-10.0sec 0-60mph time – with a claimed 62.8mpg (combined cycle) and 118g/km of CO2 emissions, which sees annual road tax costing just £20…”EVO
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/brakes-pads-only.jpg396800Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2024-11-01 06:39:352024-11-01 06:39:35Noisy Car Brakes
What You Need to Know When a Ford Fiesta Fails a MOT Because of Broken Rear-Axle Bushes
If you are the owner of a Ford Fiesta, particularly one that has been driven for a few years, you may receive the unwelcome news that your vehicle has failed its MOT. Broken rear axle bushes are a frequent cause of MOT failures. However, what are these bushes exactly, why do they break, and what part do they play in the functionality of your car? Let’s get right to the point.
Rear-Axle Bushes: What Are They?
Suspension bushes, another name for rear-axle bushes, are tiny but essential parts of the suspension system on your Ford Fiesta. These polyurethane or rubber components serve as a cushion between the suspension’s metal components, especially the back axle and the chassis. They are made to lessen vibrations, absorb shocks, and give the axle some wiggle room, all of which contribute to a more regulated and comfortable ride.
These bushes’ primary function is to lessen metal-on-metal contact, which otherwise may cause unpleasant driving experiences and may harm other suspension parts. To put it another way, they function as the silent champions of your suspension system, silently making sure that your ride continues to be quiet, steady, and smooth.
Every small bump in the road would be felt much more acutely if these shrubs weren’t there. Not to add, your Fiesta’s overall management would suffer. Rear axle alignment is maintained by using good rear axle bushes, which is essential for maintaining your car’s stability and predictability while driving, especially when cornering.
Why Do Bushes on Rear Axles Break? Ford Fiesta Broken Bushes
Rear axle bushes deteriorate with time, just like any other part of your vehicle. The following are a few typical causes of its failure:
1. Age and Wear: The bushes eventually suffer from the frequent strain and flexing. It’s possible for the rubber to break, crumble, or even dissolve. This is particularly typical for older or high-mileage cars.
2. Exposure to the Elements: The UK’s weather isn’t exactly protecting vehicle components. Temperature fluctuations, road salt, and rain can hasten the rubber’s deterioration. Moisture that gets into the crevices might cause corrosion and additional harm.
3. Improper Road Conditions: Your rear-axle bushes are put under extra strain if you frequently travel on bumpy, uneven roads (and let’s face it, who doesn’t live in the UK?). Over time, the bushes may become weaker with each bump from a pothole.
4. Heavy Loads: Your Fiesta’s suspension parts, especially the rear-axle bushes, may be subjected to greater stress when you carry large loads. Regularly transporting heavy loads or overloading the vehicles can cause premature wear.
Ford Fiesta Broken Bushes
Indices of Negative Rear-Axle Bushings-Ford Fiesta Broken Bushes
There are many warning indications that your Fiesta’s rear-axle bushes could soon need to be replaced before they fail the MOT. Among them are:
Unusual Noises: If your car makes clunking or knocking sounds when it goes over bumps, it may indicate that the bushes are worn out or broken.
Inadequate Handling: Your Fiesta may feel less stable, particularly when cornering. It may seem loose or unsteady in the back, which is a sign that the rear axle isn’t being held in place firmly enough.
Uneven Tyre Wear: If your bushes are extremely worn, it may cause your rear wheels to not align properly, which will result in uneven tyre wear.
Rear-axle bushings and the MOT test-Ford Fiesta Broken Bushes
The examiner will inspect the suspension system, including the rear axle bushes, as part of a MOT test. A failed MOT will occur if the bushes are discovered to be unduly worn, fractured, or broken. This is due to the fact that damaged bushes may have a negative impact on your car’s handling and safety.
Replacing Bushes in the Rear Axle-Ford Fiesta Broken Bushes
Don’t give up if your Ford Fiesta’s shattered rear axle bushes cause it to fail the MOT. Even though it’s not the least expensive repair, most garages are ready to manage it because it’s a reasonably typical one. The procedure entails pulling out the worn-out, old bushes and installing new ones in their place. Replacement bushes for your Fiesta may be constructed of stronger materials than the originals, providing a longer-lasting solution depending on the type and age of your vehicle.
You should experience an instant improvement in handling and ride quality after the new bushes are installed. It’s important to keep in mind that, in certain circumstances, your mechanic might advise changing additional suspension parts at the same time, particularly if they have also begun to exhibit wear.
Final Reflections
Despite their modest size, the rear axle bushes on your Ford Fiesta are essential to the overall safety and performance of your vehicle. Prior to wear causing a MOT failure, it is possible to detect it with routine inspections and maintenance. If you do, however, discover that your rear-axle bushes are damaged, don’t worry—this is a fixable problem, and once it’s fixed, your Fiesta will resume providing the smooth, secure ride you’ve grown accustomed to.
When in doubt, have a professional inspect your suspension. Also, keep an ear out for strange noises and observe how your car handles. Replacing a bush is ultimately preferable to dealing with more significant and costly issues in the future.
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