ABS FAULT

[baz1]

Hi, Newbie here desperately needing advice. I have a '99 2 litre auto executive estate. Got in the car this morning and the front nearside wing was resting on the tyre making the car undriveable.

The computer reads "ABS FAULT" and the ABS warning light is on. I drove some 3 miles last night to the local shop and there was absolutely no indication of a problem - the car drove as sweetly as usual and there were no warning lights.

I am the world's biggest idiot in terms of car mechanics so I will have to call in a garage to fix it and it would be helpful for me to know any possible causes for the problem. My repair guy is basically honest but he's lazy and is always inclined to take the easiest option, which is usually the most expensive - take off and bolt on a new part even if there is a much cheaper solution by doing a bit of work on the car.

I know this is likely to be expensive but I really would be grateful for any pointers as to the possible extent of the problem.

Thank you in anticipation.

[steve_earwig]

Hi there, I've taken the liberty of moving your thread to somewhere more appropriate.

I've got the wife here tapping her foot 'cos we're meant to be going out

But

The road spring has probably broken, they tend to do this stationary for some reason. The broken end of the spring can then take out a brake line, sensor wire, cv boot, whatever it feels hungry for. You'll need to get the whip out and make your mechanic check out exactly what it's done. Obviously he'll need to replace the spring and here I'll recommend changing both springs at the same time, the other typically fails shortly after the first.

Oooh, hands on hips, it's time to go!

[baz1]

Steve, Many thanks for your prompt reply. I'll get my mechanic to check this out.

Enjoy your day out and apologies to your good lady. Tell her it was in a good cause!

[steve_earwig]

No worries. In fact we saw the Prime Minister while we were out, 2 minutes earlier and we'd have missed her. We went through the tolls going into town and there she was changing limousines. Why she needs 4 limousines is anybody's guess but I suppose she needs to have sat in all 4 by the time she reaches her destination or she can't claim for them They passed us a bit further down the road, a black flashing crocodile weaving in and out the traffic doing far in excess of the speed limit