What Was I Going To Do Today ?

[onthecut]

Hi all.

One of those days. Head out, definite falter in the XM. Sensibly (or luckily !) head back --- engine dies about 50 yards from home. Coast in --- diagnose air / fuel situation. Just about to go to warehouse for bits -- phone goes. SWMBO broken down in Landy -- throttle on floor. With some foresight, 'borrow' cable from the communal truck, head out and fix SWMBO.
Come back, get fuel pipe etc. fix that, do oil change whilst shitty, etc. Thought I may as well check the pads while the jack was out --- LH front hub discovered to have life of its own -- bottom BJ absolutely knacked. (Interestingly, no telltale noises in the cabin) Back to the stores, get joint, special tool etc. etc. Come back, check Assich's excellent post and get stuck in. Have just got old one out as bad light and rain stops play.
Am saving joy of reassembly 'til tomorrow. Ho hum, the joys of motoring !

Mike.

[Ciaran]

Jesus Mike, you're making my Saturday in the office here sound like a veritable walk in the park!

I hate when one little job turns into 10, but at least now you've done them all you'll feel better knowing they won't need tackled for a while.

I just wish I had your efficency, most of those things would end up taking me a day on their own, you seem to have packed 90% of that into one afternoon!

Ciarán

[elma]

Big citroens don't tend to tell you when the ball joint is knackered because the weight of the car holds it stiff.
I've got 3 cars through mots with knackered balljoints because of this. None of them even got an advisory for it, but I knew they were kaput.

[onthecut]

Hi Elma.

I know on the one hand it's nice to walk out with the ticket, but I think I'd be a bit concerned if my MOT place wasn't picking up basic stuff like balljoints. If you're stumping up your £40 or whatever, you may as well have some value from it. They might just get something that will save your skin. Doesn't your tester put the bar under the front wheel and lift ? This would certainly pick out a duff bottom joint, as would the wheel 'rock' they do ?

Mike.