NCT - Failed Suspension Test

mystika121

Hi, my Dad's car failed the NCT Suspension Test. The rear axle had an imbalance of 32% which is 2% above a pass.

How would this be fixed and what would the approximate cost be?

The car is a 03 Ford Mondeo petrol Estate.

Many thanks in advance for any info.

mgbgt1978

New shock absorbers. Better to replace them as a pair.
As for price see how much they are on micksgarage.ie and factor in a couple of hours labour.

naughtysmurf

Yep, new shocks, the 2% was tough luck though, my imbalance was 47%

mystika121

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

New shock absorbers. Better to replace them as a pair.
As for price see how much they are on micksgarage.ie and factor in a couple of hours labour.

Thanks a million!

mystika121

naughtysmurf wrote: »

Yep, new shocks, the 2% was tough luck though, my imbalance was 47%

Yeah, the 2% is harsh!

In fairness the chap in the NCT checked them twice. Just in case it could be passed.

naughtysmurf

Recently got two new front ones fitted, total cost €200 incl labour

mystika121

naughtysmurf wrote: »

Recently got two new front ones fitted, total cost €200 incl labour

Thanks so much for the info. Was that at an indy or a main dealer?

The Pontiac

No point going to a main dealer for shocks, any indie could do it.

Roughly €100 for the shocks and €100 for labour. So yes €200 as above sounds right. I wouldn't be paying more than that.

mystika121

The Pontiac wrote: »

No point going to a main dealer for shocks, any indie could do it.

Roughly €100 for the shocks and €100 for labour. So yes €200 as above sounds right. I wouldn't be paying more than that.

Thanks - that's brilliant.

mystika121

Thanks so much for all the replies.

Nissan doctor

Shocks are among the most common causes of an imbalance but not a definite cause, it could also be springs and even mismatched tyre pressures.

dieselbug

Do the nct testers check tyre pressure as routine?

naughtysmurf

dieselbug wrote: »

Do the nct testers check tyre pressure as routine?

They checked the pressure on all 4 tyres on the car last week when in for testing, not the spare though

@ OP, I bought the shocks online, brought them to an indy to fit

s14driftking

if its only 2 percent out id be inclined to drop the tyre pressure in one wheel and send it back in for the test.
years ago i had a little in balance and the tester dropped the tyre pressure and passed the car ie the inbalance was barely out

mystika121

The NCT tester checked the tyre pressure. He said we could get the part in a breakers yard but as it's only 2% what we might get in the breakers could be worse than what's on it.

I might try get the parts in Mick's garage. Or would it be a good idea to go to a brakes, tyres etc place to get the shocks fitted?

The Pontiac

I always find micksgarage expensive. Try ebay.co.uk for a few prices for that model.

naughtysmurf

I got mine from http://www.mister-auto.ie/en/?gclid=CNfSveDLsbcCFdRF2wodtlwAwA at a good price but there is a recent thread that you can read first before deciding to use them

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056887306

mgbgt1978

I would avoid the "tyres, brakes place" type of place you mentioned.
Whereabouts are you?
You should be able to pick up a pair of shocks from most motor factors for around the same as micksgarage (around €50 each).
Any Indy guy would be able to fit these for a fairly reasonable price...phone a few 1st if you like just to compare.
The Tyre & Brake specialists (some of them begin with A) will charge you more to fit them, will probably not fit them unless they supply them (mark-up), and will then tell you that the car needs this, that and the other also.

edit; if buying on Ebay.co.uk use parcel motel, very easy to sign up with, just ensure you add their address to your Ebay address's. You will get them much quicker and save a few quid on carriage

The Pontiac

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

edit; if buying on Ebay.co.uk use parcel motel, very easy to sign up with, just ensure you add their address to your Ebay address's. You will get them much quicker and save a few quid on carriage

+1. I do the parcel motel thing myself all the time. It's a life saver!

Just make the UK Parcel Motel address your primary address on ebay.co.uk (and other UK sites)

The Pontiac

A pair here works out at €103 with delivery. Just check engine code with that listed on the page. And email seller if unsure.

Works out €80 cheaper than Mr Auto and Micksgarage for the same KYB shocks. If going into a motor factors, chances are you'll be given KYB too. Very good make (OEM in a lot of cars). There's cheaper ones on ebay, but cráp brands. Stick with well renowned brands like Monroe, Sachs or KYB.

mystika121

Thanks so much for all the replies - as usual the help received here is great!

Dad got the car fixed this morning. It cost €190.00 and took exactly two hours.

The mechanic ordered the parts himself.