Need help with NCT fail sheet

Ckddd · 28-08-2019 05:40PM #1

My car has failed NCT because of front axle imbalance. The imbalance was 68%, with the reading being 102mm nearside and 33mm offside.

My question is what parts could be at fault here?
I tried to ask the technician, but he just said maybe the spring and walked off (was a busy time) The car is an 08 ford focus. Appreciate any help.

smuggler.ie · 28-08-2019 08:03PM

Ckddd wrote: »

My car has failed NCT because of front axle imbalance. The imbalance was 68%, with the reading being 102mm nearside and 33mm offside.

My question is what parts could be at fault here?
I tried to ask the technician, but he just said maybe the spring and walked off (was a busy time) The car is an 08 ford focus. Appreciate any help.

Its Mm(Mahameters), not mm(millimeters).
There was some story back in 2016 in media about NCT flaw on suspension test, gives you some idea.

Possible nearside shock failure. Spring to be checked also.

Ckddd · 29-08-2019 11:23AM

Thanks.
If it's diagnosed that is either the shock absorber or the spring, would it be possible to only replace it on one side of the car and pass? The car is worth like 1200 quid, so I'm just looking for the cheapest way to keep it going, the optimal solution is not a must to me.

Car99 · 29-08-2019 11:28AM

Ckddd wrote: »

Thanks.
If it's diagnosed that is either the shock absorber or the spring, would it be possible to only replace it on one side of the car and pass? The car is worth like 1200 quid, so I'm just looking for the cheapest way to keep it going, the optimal solution is not a must to me.

But safety should me. With that much imbalance brake hard and that car won't stop in a straight line.

Replacing one shock absorber or spring may cure the imbalance but that depends on how good the remaining suspension damping is. It's a gamble not worth taking really.

H3llR4iser · 29-08-2019 11:33AM

You NEED to change BOTH on the same axle, as the test only really measures the difference (imbalance...) between the travel of the two. A new one in place of the one who measured 102 Mn might measure 25, and you'd have another fail due to the difference being over 30%.

And yes, the suspension test itself is badly designed and faulty, a car with equally shot shocks on each side could pass with no problem, as long as they don't leak or are visually broken, while barely being able to keep its direction on the smallest bumps.

smuggler.ie · 29-08-2019 12:55PM

Ckddd wrote: »

Thanks.
If it's diagnosed that is either the shock absorber or the spring, would it be possible to only replace it on one side of the car and pass? The car is worth like 1200 quid, so I'm just looking for the cheapest way to keep it going, the optimal solution is not a must to me.

Consider getting from breakers yard, could work out ~€50 each for whole assembly. Recommend you getting both from one scrapped car - less chances for severe imbalance.
Replacement is another story if you are not DIY motivated, check with your local mechanic.
Wheel tracking will be needed after job done, so additional cost

.

Need help with NCT fail sheet

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