Engine
Q. My engine runs very badly on tickover.
What causes this?
A. There are many causes of a lumpy tickover and it is a case of running
through the most likely in a methodical way until the problem is cured:
1. Ensure that all of your ignition components are in good condition:
spark plugs; distributor cap; HT leads etc.
2. Check the breather system hoses for leaks or blockages. Check the
dip stick seal is a tight fit in the tube. Check the seal on the oil
filler cap.
3. Check the idle correction and mixture (or have a garage check this
for you).
4. If the problem still persists, you will need to have the ignition/electronic
control units checked by a garage.
Suspension
Q. I can hear a knocking noise from the front of my car, especially
on bumpy roads. What is the problem?
A. You most likely have a worn anti-roll bar drop link. This is common
on the 205 and 309 GTi models. You will need to replace the drop link.
Q. I hear a clonk from the front of the car when I drive off after
reversing. What causes this?
A. You have a worn ball joint or worn taper on the hub. You will need
to replace the ball joint or if the hub is worn, unfortunately a replacement
hub will be required.
Q. The handling of my Peugeot has become unpredictable and it sometimes
feels like the rear end is wandering during cornering. What is wrong?
A. There are two possibilities here, and both need resolving immediately:
1. Check the rear sub-frame rubber mounts as they often split in half,
particularly on older models.
2. Check for play in the trailing arm bearings.
These are the bearings that the trailing arm pins
locate in, inside the rear suspension tube. They allow the trailing
arms to move up and down smoothly. They
regularly wear out, particularly if moisture has got inside the bearing
tube.
You can test for play with the car raised off the ground at the rear
- try and move the wheel in and out of the wheel arch. It should only
move up and down, not in and out (small movement of the wheel when grasped
either side could be a worn wheel bearing). Replacement of the bearings
is a specialist job. Often the bearing surface of the pins will be worn
as well, and if so, they must be replaced. It will probably be more
cost effective to replace the whole sub-frame with a reconditioned unit.
Beware when buying 2nd hand sub-frames, as the bearings are generally
in poor condition once past 5-6 years old.
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