Introducing myself

[seasonshu]

Hi All,

The Hand Brake switch brought me to this page -- many, many thanks to Tim (Coops) for providing a step by step guide how to dismantle the middle console. I couldn't find a way to thank his post.

Anyway, back to the car. I bought a 406 LX for a runaround car, X reg. It had to be an estate so it swallows family's stuff and can boot kayaks on the top! The chassis is not in perfect condition, endured some (hopefully) small hits; I tried to overview the overall condition, the sound of the engine, suspension, CV-joints, etc. Apart from the colour (haha) I was sold that the clutch was recently replaced (to single mass flywheel), so was the waterpump and the cam belt & serviced too. Just got the MOT earlier this month, perfect.

Having used it for two weeks now, the only issue I am concerned about is the front left wheel, I hear a 'stretchy' noise when turning the wheel all the way left and then back (while reversing from driveway); not a knock from the CV-joint. Then I realised the creaky noise of the front left door is caused by the door hitting a screw that should be 5-10 mm's forward, according to the right hand side! So it must have been collision on the front left panel, having also been resprayed. I hope I won't lose the tyre one day.. having got the MOT hopefully it should be fine (unless this issue was overlooked..).

The other issue is that often when going slowly (and turning the wheel, might not be related), I hear as if there were loose chains in the engine bay, hitting some other metal object. Again, I have no idea what it is but hopefully nothing serious.

With your permission I will raise a question in the electrical section; very basic but I am feeling a bit stuck.

Happy motoring to everyone.

Cheers,
Gabor

[Doggy]

Hi Gabor & welcome to the forum.

I'm guessing from your message, you have a 110 HDi? (Adding these details sometimes helps others give you the right answer).

The first noise you describe could be the strut top bearing, if these get sticky it can lead to a broken spring as it gets twisted with steering movement. No personal experience, I would be tempted to try spraying some WD40 up there, but maybe someone who knows will comment, please?

The second one could be a noisy power steering pump, (have you checked the fluid level)? Also worth checking the bottom engine mount, (plenty of reference on here to search).

[seasonshu]

Doggy,

Thanks very much for the reply. Yes, it is 2.0 HDI 110bhp (how did you guess?)

The clanking noise must be related to the lower engine mounts. There are other signs to it:
- the steering wheel vibrates above 60-65 mph (there has been a recent solid flywheel clutch conversion, too)
- the previously said clanking at low speeds (often but not always)
- the whole car is also shaking when the engine is being stopped.
- I do not think the cause is an unbalanced tyre as all 4 tyres have recently been replaced

Regarding the stretchy noise thanks for pointing towards the strut top bearing, I will make more investigation.. I think you are correct that it is more related to the spring coiling up and then releasing the tension while turning the wheel back rather than to the accident/collision(?) to the front left panel.

Should this thread now be moved to Engine and Transmission? (I don't know how if at all possible).

[Ares]

Hi Gabor,welcome to the forum.
Lovely car,give some more picture,introduce it properly

[seasonshu]

Hah, I've been to the garage today where talked to Ian -- really helpful chap.
He told me that I shouldn't worry about these things -- at least it is not the worst problem with the care. Apparently the turbo refuses to work that is why the car felt sluggish on the motorway this Saturday. Also, there's lots of black smoke coming out when trying to accelerate hard (note the word 'trying'). I thought 110 bhp will be less power than 163 but I was curious why it felt like 80 to me. Well, probably that's why.

From his words it seems that in good case I'll have to replace the pipe to the intercooler, although he hasn't mentioned anything else but I reckon worst case will be replacing the turbo. I am just wondering with all this black smoke, how on earth did it get MOT just 4 weeks ago?!

They'll take a look on Wednesday..