Got my 2008 MS3 today! Have a couple of problems though, help appreciated

[JonShar]

Hi all,

Sorry to bother on my first day of ownership - I've purchased the car through a 3rd party broker, so I didn't get to test drive it first. The good news is that any repairs under $x will come off the total price, so that was the only reason I was content with that kind of transaction.

It's an 08, 65,000 miles. It's in good condition, but upon driving it there are a couple of issues:

1) The brakes "throb" a little when applying pressure. They've just been replaced recently according to some service receipts, so is there a chance they didn't do something properly? (I'm an idiot when it comes to this kind of stuff, hence the post)

2) Their is a constant (albeit very faint) repetitive sound when moving at low speeds - I'm sure it's still there at higher speeds, but the road noise drowns it out. It sounds like something is rubbing on something else possibly? And when I turn the wheel at low speeds (to pull out of a parking lot, or into a space or something), there's another strange noise - not quite a grinding noise, but similar although not quite as loud. Is this likely a wheel bearing or CV boot or something?

Any help would be MOST appreciated! I need to get any issues sorted in the next week or so. If it's something I can buy parts for and learn as I go that's great, but if not I want to get it into a shop pronto to avoid any more long-term damage.

Thanks in advance - I'll post pics soon... she's red!

Jon

 

[MikeHTally]

Well, it's difficult to describe a sound. Failed CV joints usually click during turns. Your first issue sounds like warped rotors. Perhaps they were not turned during the brake job? Might be a good idea to have your favorite mechanic go over it and document whatever he finds.

 

[JonShar]

Well, it's difficult to describe a sound. Failed CV joints usually click during turns. Your first issue sounds like warped rotors. Perhaps they were not turned during the brake job? Might be a good idea to have your favorite mechanic go over it and document whatever he finds.

Thanks Mike. It's not clicking, so that's good news... maybe! Warped rotors make sense, and easy enough to check - thanks for the suggestions!

 

[JonShar]

Had it looked at today:

The rotors all have excessive run out. Naturally they suggest I should replace them, but is that something where I can just have them turned for now instead?

The right upper motor mount is blown out, which is why that groaning noise is happening apparently. They're quoting me $390 for parts and labor, is that reasonable or should I give it a go myself? I'm not much of a mechanic, but I'm not that much of an idiot either and can do most things if instructions are around somewhere.

Thanks for any help!

 

[MTBjunkie00]

Do you mean the motor mount on the passenger side of the car?

 

[JonShar]

Do you mean the motor mount on the passenger side of the car?

They said the right front one, but does that mean looking at it from the service side or the driving side?!

 

[MikeHTally]

Right front is right front. Now if they'd said, "Left side..." that would be a touch different.

 

[JonShar]

Right front is right front. Now if they'd said, "Left side..." that would be a touch different.

Cool, thanks.

 

[MTBjunkie00]

Picture for what it's worth. You can check out http://www.jamesbaroneracing.com/store/ for aftermarket motor mounts. If you have enough mechanical skills to change your own oil or spark plugs, you can easily do the motor mount install. He makes good products (I have his rear motor mount and love it).

Disadvantage of aftermarket motors mounts is that they are more performance oriented and will transfer more vibrations and noise to the cabin of the car. The advantage is that you will have less drivetrain "slop" and will put power to the ground more effectively.

 

[JonShar]

Picture for what it's worth. You can check out http://www.jamesbaroneracing.com/store/ for aftermarket motor mounts. If you have enough mechanical skills to change your own oil or spark plugs, you can easily do the motor mount install. He makes good products (I have his rear motor mount and love it).

Disadvantage of aftermarket motors mounts is that they are more performance oriented and will transfer more vibrations and noise to the cabin of the car. The advantage is that you will have less drivetrain "slop" and will put power to the ground more effectively.

Thanks very much for taking the time to post that pic and link, that's really helpful - I appreciate it! I'll order one from him and do it myself, doesn't look too bad. Another couple of rattles in the cabin won't hurt too much, I'll happily take a little more power.

Thanks again!