On Holiday, need advice to get me home

[Civvy]

I've got the 320 Diesel CLK, and I'm in France. Am due to cross the channel back to UK tomorrow evening but, my O/S/F wheel has developed croaking badly when turning, sounds like a ball-joint or a shock to me.

The nearest MB workshop is 7miles away from me, they maybe able to give me a diagnosis but quite likely will not stock the parts.

Just had the lower arms done on both sides in December.

Should I just turn the radio up and baby it to the Crossing?

 

[lwbnick]

I've got the 320 Diesel CLK, and I'm in France. Am due to cross the channel back to UK tomorrow evening but, my O/S/F wheel has developed croaking badly when turning, sounds like a ball-joint or a shock to me.

The nearest MB workshop is 7miles away from me, they maybe able to give me a diagnosis but quite likely will not stock the parts.

Just had the lower arms done on both sides in December.

Should I just turn the radio up and baby it to the Crossing?

Sounds like a balljoint

 

[television]

I would take it easy and try and get home

 

[mikestrivens]

Yes I'd at least try to get this side of the Channel.

 

[bouzirouge]

using my experience of french "service" i'd do everything i could to get the car back to the uk before having anyone look at it. always supposing you've had a quick look to make sure nothing's actually broken free under there.
all the best for the new year and i hope you make it back safe and sound. i'm 500 miles south of you so not in a position to offer much help unfortunately.

 

[cleverdicky]

Does it only make the sound when you turn the steering wheel, Or when the road wheel is turning.
It seems rather like a wheel bearing groaning and worse when under strain ie turning.
Just drive carefully and get on the ferry at least. But don't drive fast. Its already gone so you wont make it worse unless the wheel falls off

 

[mikestrivens]

Did you get home?

 

[Civvy]

Hi, yes. She got us home, took it to the Garage for a diagnosis and M.O.T and they found it to be the lower ball-joints (fitted 3 weeks ago!) have excessive play in them!
Unfortunately, three weeks ago I was in the middle of moving and had them fitted 75 miles away!
I have to drive 150miles to end up with (presumably) the same aftermarket arms again, but an M.O.T.
They have a 12 month guarantee. But, what to do!?

Thanks for the support!

 

[mikestrivens]

Glad you back safely.

 

[brick10]

Pleased to hear you got home safely.

 

[television]

So pleased it got you home OK I wonder if the joint was ever changed in the first place

 

[Gkinghorn]

me too..

 

[yorkinmadoc]

Hi, glad you got home safely!!!!!!!!!

To any member that is in Europe with a fault, and internet access look on www.angloinfo.com and search the directory for English speaking garages near where you are. The forum is split into countries and the sub divided into regions. CAN be a god send to have english speaking local assistance, and I can testify that the costs are usually fair and transparent (ie ML270 recovered 75 miles for less than 120 euros) normal fee in France around 600 to 900 euros plus no consideration for your vehicle.

Yorkinmadoc

 

[Civvy]

Done.
Drove the 150 miles to Cardiff and back today, to make use of the 12 month warranty on them. They apologised and said it must have been a bad batch.
I now have an M.O.T.
I'm going to have them checked again in 6 weeks as they are from the same supplier!

Thanks all.