Loud bang/explosion? Safe to drive?

**LaserMod** · 6th February 2008, 20:48

Hi guys,

Really worried here - I was turning right on a mini roundabout this evening and there was a huge metallic bang/explosion from the front left opf the car. I immediately stopped expecting a puncture but nothing and I cannot find any damage underneath (inspecting with a small torch). There was also nothing on the road that I could have run over.

My car is the auto 2.2 SXI 2003. There is now a metallic knocking sound when going over bumps again from the front left of the vehicle.

Please help...it is under NetworkQ warranty but the dealers can't see it until next week and I have a big drive at the weekend.

Thanks in advance.

**JuzzyD** · 6th February 2008, 20:50

I would check the suspension spring - they have been known to crack and fracture.

Is it sitting lower on the left front?

**sonic** · 6th February 2008, 20:51

or maybe a cyclist...!

**Duncan** · 6th February 2008, 20:52

Look really, really closely again at your spring - and have a good feel underneath at it. You may have a cracked spring.

It could also be the spring turning in it's seat and then releasing with a loud crack - have a search for spring seat mod and you'll see what I mean. If it was just that then yes it's a bit disconcerting, but not a problem as such. If the car hasn't had this mod done then it just needs a couple of plastic sleeves put onto the end of the bottom of the springs.

**LaserMod** · 6th February 2008, 20:56

Just going to check now (I think something must have broke with the new addition of this knocking rattle) - thanks duncan...

**LaserMod** · 6th February 2008, 21:09

Right yes, car is sitting about an inch lower on the left but I put full steering lock on and felt around in the 'bowl' (sorry I'm not technical) that holds the bottom of the spring. Guess what? I pulled out a piece of the spring - snapped about 4" long.

From the look of the piece it has snapped from the bottom as one edge is rounded.

What does this mean? New spring?

**WHOOSH05** · 6th February 2008, 21:12

Originally Posted by LaserMod

Right yes, car is sitting about an inch lower on the left but I put full steering lock on and felt around in the 'bowl' (sorry I'm not technical) that holds the bottom of the spring. Guess what? I pulled out a piece of the spring - snapped about 4" long.

From the look of the piece it has snapped from the bottom as one edge is rounded.

What does this mean? New spring?

Yes new spring.

**LaserMod** · 6th February 2008, 21:13

Thanks man, but reckon safe to drive for the weekend until I get it to the dealers next week?

BTW: That piece of the spring was the cause of the new rattle...

**Penfold101** · 6th February 2008, 21:14

Nah, just do the same to the other side mate and you can have your car lowered for free...

**JuzzyD** · 6th February 2008, 21:20

I wouldn't drive it with a broken spring, it could shift on the strut and you'd have a major problem on your hands if it collapses.

Best get it in somewhere else sharpish or park it up, better safe than sorry.