Another car/garage thread

[Simon Pieman]

Right, I'm not particularly clued up on cars but I know enough to that garages are trying to grab more money out of you by coming up with issues:

Apparently my front brake pads and disks need doing as they are 90% worn. The price I've been quoted is £193 which is too expensive at the moment but may be able to get it done in August.

I've also had an issue with a knocking/clunking noise (not constant, just once when I accelerate/decelarate) which seems to come from the rear of the car on the drivers side. However outside the car my brother reckons it's nearer the front. The garage say I need a new steering arm as there is slight play in it and is the probable cause of this noise. Does this sound right?

This isn't an MOT, I had one in April and it passed with no advisories. I drive an Astra sri, 2001 model.

[Crispy]

Well, im not going to lie im not a car boff but have you considered taking it to another garrage for a check? Might be worth knowing what somebody else thinks the problem is/would charge?

[Simon Pieman]

oops, I forgot to say that's sort of what I was getting at - where is a good place to go?

[Crispy]

Wouldnt have a fucking clue mate. Don't have a car.. 

[RJack]

I've always used PJS Auto's on River Ray industrial estate it's the long road behind the new B & Q and where the new Lidls is.

They've always done a good job on my car and been very helpful

[chalkies_shorts]

Auto Engine Tune on St Phillips Road hav e always given me good advice instead of ripping me off.

[Sippo]

Cross street garage is where I use.

Could possibly be the suspension arms? Does it happen when you've got full lock on?

Check this site for parts aswell: http://eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/Car-Parts

[Simon Pieman]

It's not when I steer, I could be going in a straight line.

[Sippo]

Might not be the Suspension arms then. If you don't trust your current garage, get it checked elsewhere.

[BANGKOK RED]

Have you tried hitting it with a hammer?

[Samdy Gray]

Knocking could be anything; track rod ends, bushes, steering arm, suspension arm, driveshaft, engine mounts etc. etc.

I had a knocking noise on my old Megane when the pads got low. I replaced the pads myself and it cured the knocking - I reckon the pads got so low they were moving around in the caliper.

[Nijholts Nuts]

I dont come from Swindon, but my Grandad swears by this place in 'old town' thats out the back of a supermarket or shopping centre or something. Sorry if that doesnt mean anything.

[Anteater]

You got a body in the boot ? Failing that Shrivenham Garage is pretty good for second opinion !

[Barry Scott]

Knocking could be anything; track rod ends, bushes, steering arm, suspension arm, driveshaft, engine mounts etc. etc.

I had a knocking noise on my old Megane when the pads got low. I replaced the pads myself and it cured the knocking - I reckon the pads got so low they were moving around in the caliper.

I remember similar on my first car. I was driving it with the brakes grinding for weeks. Once day i come to a stop at a t-junction and hear something sounding like it fell of my car.

I got out and had a look around, then found a brake pad underneath, because it had dropped out of the caliper. I then had to drive it home using the caliper piston to stop the car on my trashed disks. Needless to say i needed new disks, pads and calipers. Cheap as chips from the breakers yard though, and it was fun bleeding the brakes and what not.

[Arriba]

could be anything.
as usual i will reccomend m+b on chapel street.been using them for years, as have all my family.
i first used them without any kinowledge of them to put right shit fits poor workmanship.
you will get fixed what needs fixing, and nothing more.honest and reliable