A Few Probs

[jonnytub]

Hi all, new here so go easy :)

 

Just bought myself a Xsara 1.4i West Coast, 90,000 on the clock but in extrememly good nick, apart from a few niggles. The first is the drivers airbag light, I presume from reading other posts I need to unconnect and reconnect the block under the drivers seat? The second is; under braking I had a heavy wobble on the steering wheel, i've replaced the drivers side disks and pads and it's improved somewhat but I've had problems changing the passenger side (torx head bolts rounded), when I've overcome these problems is it likely to cure the wobble (it does seem better since replacing the drivers side). Thirdly, I need new tailgate struts or a way of repairing the old 'limp' ones. Fourthly, I've just replaced the bog standard cassette radio with a sony cd/radio but was hesitant with buying the stalk radio adaptor as I was told there are problems with them, anyone any experience here? Fifth, my handbrake comes to high up (MOT failure) so I need to adjust it (or replace cable), is this near the back wheels or should I be lifting the console between the two front seats?

 

 

Lastly, I plan on servicing her this weekend, where's best to start?

 

Any suggestions are most welcome as I'm seriously chuffed with my new Xsara as she hugs the road as well as my old Honda Concerto (I know it was old but what an engine she had!)

 

All help very much appreciated.

[Johndouglas]

Tail gate struts are replaceable. Try GSF mail order - they are less than £20 each.

The handbrake should be on after 3 or 4 clicks. If not, use the footbrake, then the handbrake several times to bring the auto adjuster up. If adjustment is required, the adjuster is under the centre console.

[Guest Ialsorideaharley]

Hi all, new here so go easy :P

 

Just bought myself a Xsara 1.4i West Coast, 90,000 on the clock but in extrememly good nick, apart from a few niggles. The first is the drivers airbag light, I presume from reading other posts I need to unconnect and reconnect the block under the drivers seat? The second is; under braking I had a heavy wobble on the steering wheel, i've replaced the drivers side disks and pads and it's improved somewhat but I've had problems changing the passenger side (torx head bolts rounded), when I've overcome these problems is it likely to cure the wobble (it does seem better since replacing the drivers side). Thirdly, I need new tailgate struts or a way of repairing the old 'limp' ones. Fourthly, I've just replaced the bog standard cassette radio with a sony cd/radio but was hesitant with buying the stalk radio adaptor as I was told there are problems with them, anyone any experience here? Fifth, my handbrake comes to high up (MOT failure) so I need to adjust it (or replace cable), is this near the back wheels or should I be lifting the console between the two front seats?

Lastly, I plan on servicing her this weekend, where's best to start?

 

Any suggestions are most welcome as I'm seriously chuffed with my new Xsara as she hugs the road as well as my old Honda Concerto (I know it was old but what an engine she had!)

 

All help very much appreciated.

[Guest Ialsorideaharley]

Hi all, new here so go easy :P

 

Just bought myself a Xsara 1.4i West Coast, 90,000 on the clock but in extrememly good nick, apart from a few niggles. The first is the drivers airbag light, I presume from reading other posts I need to unconnect and reconnect the block under the drivers seat? The second is; under braking I had a heavy wobble on the steering wheel, i've replaced the drivers side disks and pads and it's improved somewhat but I've had problems changing the passenger side (torx head bolts rounded), when I've overcome these problems is it likely to cure the wobble (it does seem better since replacing the drivers side). Thirdly, I need new tailgate struts or a way of repairing the old 'limp' ones. Fourthly, I've just replaced the bog standard cassette radio with a sony cd/radio but was hesitant with buying the stalk radio adaptor as I was told there are problems with them, anyone any experience here? Fifth, my handbrake comes to high up (MOT failure) so I need to adjust it (or replace cable), is this near the back wheels or should I be lifting the console between the two front seats?

Lastly, I plan on servicing her this weekend, where's best to start?

 

Any suggestions are most welcome as I'm seriously chuffed with my new Xsara as she hugs the road as well as my old Honda Concerto (I know it was old but what an engine she had!)

 

All help very much appreciated.

 

 

Hi Jonny - don't know if you resolved all your issues or not, but I had a similar problem with the grub screw on a brake disc - had to resort to a very thin cutting blade in an angle grinder and cut a slot through disc and bolt (as disc is scrap anyway it doesn't matter) then use an impact driver to loosen the screw - came out no probs. The handbrake adjuster is indeed under the centre console, which is a bit fiddly and time consuming to remove, and the adjuster itself can be fiddly too. I had to replace the front discs and pads on my Xsara 1.6 VTR Coupe at just under 30k miles, followed by the rear ones at about 34k (had been left standing and they were severely rusted, own fault, but it cost me less than £200 for all the bits including brake fluid (from GSF I think from memory, but Online Automotive are also very competitive on prices) and did the job myself in a day. Braking problems cured! (incidentally, a main dealer wanted to charge me £260 to replace the front discs at 19k but I told em to go fly a kite, robbing so and sos)