suspension shot????

[watto]

On sharp left cornering or going over potholes, there is an alarming crunching coming from the front off side (drivers) of my S2 (1989). The garage I use to look after the car has had a good look and say everything looks ok and that the springs are probably just shot due to their age and are bottoming out. Price for combined springs/shockers from TVR car parts £600. ..... OUCH.Andtthats without fitting.



Wondered if anyone has had a similar problem, what they found it was and if there is a cheaper way to rectify it.

[pies]

Drop "the gazman" a line he of www.absolutelyshocks.com/



They are straightforward to fit yourself so you can save money there,but after fitting get the cars geometry checked



AIMHO

[Jed-S]

If the springs are weak then you'd hit the bump stop but what is causing the crunching noise? You've had it looked at by the garage and they haven't said 100% that it is the shock? Cheapest way to see if it is the shock/spring is to swap the front ones over.



If it still makes the noise on LH bends then I'd take it very easy until you find the cause.

What state is you chassis in? If the outriggers are holed then the whole tub flexes making noises. Is the engine mounted securely? There is so little clearance on bits that it could be something else moving.

[tvrgit]

Jed-S said:

If the springs are weak then you'd hit the bump stop but what is causing the crunching noise? You've had it looked at by the garage and they haven't said 100% that it is the shock? Cheapest way to see if it is the shock/spring is to swap the front ones over.



If it still makes the noise on LH bends then I'd take it very easy until you find the cause.

What state is you chassis in? If the outriggers are holed then the whole tub flexes making noises. Is the engine mounted securely? There is so little clearance on bits that it could be something else moving.

Is it a tyre hitting the inner edge of the wheelarch?

[watto]

Thanks for that so far. chasis looks ok as far as I can tell, have religiously scraped and waxoyled every year for last 5 years. Don't know whats going on between chasis and bodywork of course.Can drive them, but not too hot when it comes to the mechanical side so when I look underneath means nothing unless its obviously snapped or hanging off. Will have another poke about though.

[clarenceboddiger]

Check the inside edges of your front tyres, mine werehard to spot with the bonnet down but had been worn badly on the inside edges due to rubbing on hard cornering with knackered suspension

[watto]

have had another look. Everything looks ok, but the inner wing above the tyre looks like it has marks on it that might be consistent with the tyre hitting it. Think I can rule out chassis thankfully as the noise is only on hard left bend cornering or hitting potholes with the O/S wheel. Think I would hear it all the time if it was the chasis (although like I say, I'm no expert)

Looks like its going to be new suspension, but not till I can save some disposable income.

Thanks for all the advice folks.

[Adam Hare]

Not sure where you're based Watto but I had the front suspension replaced on my S3 by Jon Waggit at Sports and Specialist cars in Boroughbridge/ North Yorkshire. It was substanially cheaper than you were quoted and seems to have been highly successful. I can give you more details if you want.

Adam

[watto]

Just had reply from absolutelyshocks per above. Less than £250 per axle at cheapest. Will probably go with that.

Am based in Cramlington @ 10 miles North of Newcastle. Thanks a lot for all the replies. Will let you know the outcome

[Rockey]

You won't go far wrong with the Gaz's