Rear suspension low

1. caldyer2 L-plater Joined: Mar 2010 Leeds Posts: 41 1999 Focus Mk1 Ghia 2.0 1998 Saxo 1.6i VTR

   #1 14th June 2010, 17:47

   Right I seem to have the worst luck with cars and their suspension!
   
   The rear of my VTR seems to have dropped significantly. Not noticed anything different with handling particularly at the moment. But....it is definately lower and is more so on the drivers side. Pretty broad question but any ideas before I head to the dreaded garage?
   
   Not sure if this would make any difference but the exhaust seems to be pressing against the rear bumper more so too...noticed as it seems to be accumilating a scuff of plastic above the exhaust . So its probably moving a bit too.
   
   SO.....help? lol
2. BobCm Forum Section Moderator Joined: Apr 2009 Orpington Posts: 1406 My son drives a Poseidon Blue Saxo Mk2 1.6i VTR.

   #2 14th June 2010, 17:49

   Hi,
   
   Sounds like the dampers (shock absorbers) have gone.
3. caldyer2 L-plater Joined: Mar 2010 Leeds Posts: 41 1999 Focus Mk1 Ghia 2.0 1998 Saxo 1.6i VTR

   #3 14th June 2010, 17:58

   Thats what I was thinking but its a torsion bar at the rear isnt it? What are the shocks like....I am used to springs and shocks! lol
4. OuJ104 Newbie Joined: Feb 2010 Shropshire Posts: 15 Black Vtr 8v on white vts'...Original mini cooper.

   #4 14th June 2010, 20:07

   Nasty job however as its sounds like its been lowered by the torsion bar before (unless your dampers have gone) then it shouldn't be as bad. There won't be any parts needed but the labour will kill you at aboud £35+ per hour at 3hrs+ unless you can find someone to do it for you for less.
5. caldyer2 L-plater Joined: Mar 2010 Leeds Posts: 41 1999 Focus Mk1 Ghia 2.0 1998 Saxo 1.6i VTR

   #5 15th June 2010, 09:07

   It wasnt low when I had it originally. So fairly sure the dampers have gone now. Got a quote for 22.99 each. Easy job to do too.
   
   Jack it up, wheel off....2 bolts off and put the new one on. Easy
6. woodyemma Infrequent Poster Joined: Jul 2009 Salisbury Posts: 115 Subaru impreza sport, saxo furio

   #6 15th June 2010, 10:03

   Correct me if I'm wrong but the dampers don't hold it up it just absorbs the shock the torsion bar acts as the springs so surely it can't be dampers cus it wouldn't move it wold just feel crap when driving
7. nathgvtr Regular Poster Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 253

   #7 15th June 2010, 11:59

   my drivers side rear shock went and the driver side did sit abit lower, i just thoght was a good time tobuy uprated shocks as i already needed a new one anyway, really easy job to change shocks, shouldnt take any more than an hour to do.
8. caldyer2 L-plater Joined: Mar 2010 Leeds Posts: 41 1999 Focus Mk1 Ghia 2.0 1998 Saxo 1.6i VTR

   #8 15th June 2010, 16:45

   Well I was proven wrong this morning. The car is just corroding away! So its just got nothing to sit on etc. The inside of the arches are just crumbling.
   
   I dont think I can take cars anymore! Looks like the focus is coming back! Gutted.
9. caldyer2 L-plater Joined: Mar 2010 Leeds Posts: 41 1999 Focus Mk1 Ghia 2.0 1998 Saxo 1.6i VTR

   #9 16th June 2010, 12:53

   Well looks like its probably going to get repaired. So will be good as new eventually, still got the focus for the meantime.