Partially collapsed front suspension: drivable?

1. empty_inside Newbie Joined: Mar 2008 Cambridge Posts: 18 '03 Saxo VTS

   #1 26th April 2008, 14:47

   Hi,
   
   I've had my Saxo VTS a few weeks and the front left suspension has partially collapsed. The bottom revolution of the spring has splayed out everywhere and the car's now sitting (an inch and a bit lower) on the next one up.
   
   It's still under warranty, but the garage is insisting I take it back to them. The journey is about 15 miles of either bumpy back roads or fast dual carriage way. Should I drive it? At all?
   
   A couple of pictures to show what I mean (getting pics of the left hand side is really difficult now because the body's sitting so low)
   
   RHS:
   
   
   LHS:
   
2. JC-Furio Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 5302 Helicopter

   #2 26th April 2008, 14:49

   Drive up with someone... that way if it does shag up they'll always be with you.
   
   If your not to sure about it, ring the garage again and arrange for them to pick it up
3. KamRacing Saxperience Addict Joined: Nov 2006 A farm shed in Aylesbury Posts: 14916 Corolla AE86 Peugeot 205 B18C (in bits)

   #3 26th April 2008, 14:54

   I would tell them to recover the vehicle
   
   Not worth risking your life just to make it easier on them!
4. user_11067 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2006 Ashford kent Posts: 3161 PoP! bAnG! pOp! BaNg!

   #4 26th April 2008, 15:00

   get them to come and pick it up mate.
   
   its not your problem
5. Lozza_vtr Established Member Joined: Jun 2007 Sunny Essex!! Posts: 2342 VW Golf Mk4 1.8T

   #5 26th April 2008, 16:50

   Yeah, kick up a stink and ask them to pick it up. I wouldn't drive that, looks like a snapped spring.
6. empty_inside Newbie Joined: Mar 2008 Cambridge Posts: 18 '03 Saxo VTS

   #6 26th April 2008, 16:52

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by davew get them to come and pick it up mate. its not your problem

   Yeah you're right mate. I'm just a bit worried about them trying to wriggle out of the warranty and sticking me with a bill for the recovery as well as repair. How usual is it for a spring to just collapse? Never heard of it happening before. Obviously I know I haven't hit anything, and there's no damage to the body / alloy / rest of the suspension that I can see. Just have to persuade them I suppose.
7. Simps86 L-plater Joined: Jun 2006 Northwich United Kingdom (England) Posts: 68 Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy

   #7 26th April 2008, 17:38

   Wouldnt risk driving it whilst like that. who knows what else it could damage
8. Danhunt Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: May 2007 Co Durham/Hereford Posts: 3044 'Floz' Citroen saxo 1.1 [RIP], Escort XR3i, 306 Tu

   #8 26th April 2008, 17:42

   If they wont recover it, why not get a mate to tow it for you?
9. raunchz Saxperience Addict Joined: Jul 2005 Solihull / Bournemouth Posts: 14233 2015 Lapiz Blue Golf R

   #9 26th April 2008, 18:08

   I would say it's a warranty thing as it looks like the spring has snapped near the bottom:
   
   It's not 'wear and tear'
   It's clearly not been 'abused' or used beyond 'regular' use.
   
   I'd get onto them and get it picked up, or could call AA/RAC and they'll tow it to a garage if you've got the right policy that allows yo uto do that. I wouldn't risk driving it at all, might do more damage than is worth it !!!