Chris wrote:
>
> > It would be extremely difficult to tell exactly without performing a
> > physical inspection first. Has any of the above advice you've received
> > resulted from a physical inspection or are they just knowledgeable
> > hypotheses?
> >
> > Eric
> >
> Hi,
> It's just passed it's MOT without a mention of anything worn. Apparentlyy
> nothing is visible on a ramp. I am told that dismantling is the next
> diagnostic stage. I was just hoping it was a common fault at a certain
> age or mileage. All suspension parts are original as far as we can tell.
>
> Thanks for your input.
>

There are many suspension checks that cannot be performed when the
suspension is loaded by having the tires on ramps as you have described
above. A competent mechanic will use devices such as a large prybar and a
large set of ChannelLock pliers to test the various suspension joints and
bushings for free play. In addition, it is also quite common to grab the
tire and rock it back and forth in a few different orientations designed to
reveal looseness in certain parts, e.g. upper and lower ball joints, wheel
bearing, and the tie rod. Again, none of these checks can be performed when
the suspension is loaded with the tires on ramps. If this was indeed the
protocol that was followed during your recent inspection, then I would
suggest that the results were inconclusive at best.

Eric