Suspension damage

[kramer81]

I have a Mk4 Fiesta, every time one the rear wheels hits a bump or a pothole there is cringe-making noise/impact, as if there has been no absorption of the impact at all. Also, in the past couple of days when I turn a corner over an unven surface the rear offside now squeaks.

I know its difficult to say without seeing the problem but what is the most likely cause? Is it worn bushes, knackered shocks, springs etc? And how much is it likely to cost?

Thanks

[alvin100]

You have answered your own question really Kramer,
It could be a knackered shock absorber, or possibly a broken spring, try bouncing the back of the car on each side, If the shocker has failed, the car should bounce up and down quite freely on that side compared to the good side which should feel firmer and not simply bounce up and down on the spring.
Also pop your head underneath and look at the spring carefully It should be easy to see if it has snapped, this would also possibly cause the car to sit lower on one side than the other.

Hope this helps

By the way rear dampers are quite easy to change yourself, so dont get ripped off by a 'fast fit' tyre type place.

[kramer81]

Thanks for the response. I forgot to say that the car doesn't bounce so its unlikely to be the shocks, infact the ride is too harsh-so when driving on a crappy road the potholes aren't ironed out at all.

Don't really know anything about suspension so Im just trying a process of elimination.