All Posts

A 2016 Audi A4 2.0 TDI came into Car Vitals for a full timing belt kit and water pump replacement. The front end was stripped for access so the job could be completed properly using the correct timing procedure.

A 2019 Fiat 500 in Northfield was losing coolant. Car Vitals diagnosed a snapped water outlet caused by age, then returned the next day to fit a modified replacement with an uprated alloy outlet before refilling and bleeding the cooling system correctly.

A 2010 Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi came into Car Vitals with a charging fault and an auxiliary belt hanging off. Diagnosis found a seized alternator clutch pulley, which had also damaged the air-conditioning clutch pulley.

A 2010 Vauxhall Corsa came into Car Vitals with a suspect noise and coolant leak. Diagnosis traced the noise to a failed water pump bearing, with the thermostat replaced at the same time because it is a common weak point on these repairs.

A Toyota Aygo came into Car Vitals for an interim service. Our free pre-MOT style inspection found front pads close to minimum thickness, discs below manufacturer tolerance, and rear drum brakes needing adjustment.

A 2011 Volkswagen Polo came into Car Vitals with a very rattly timing chain. We replaced the complete timing chain kit, then carried out a health check after learning the car had been sitting for two years. The inspection also found cracked tyre tread, an exhaust blow and separating wishbone bushes.

A 2009 Volvo XC90 D5 AWD arrived at Car Vitals with a badly slipping clutch. Strip-down revealed a clutch in severe condition, a difficult transfer-box removal caused by corrosion from water ingress, and several vacuum and boost leaks. The clutch, dual-mass flywheel and concentric slave cylinder were replaced, with fresh gearbox oil added.

A 2007 MINI came into Car Vitals with a burning clutch smell. Diagnosis found excessive play in the dual-mass flywheel, which was locking in certain positions. The subframe was removed, clutch and flywheel components replaced, and the slave hydraulic fluid renewed and bled.

A Fiat 500 came into Car Vitals for a routine service and we found serious suspension wear: an OSF ball joint in very poor condition and a separated NSF rear wishbone bush. Both wishbones were replaced.

A Fiat 500 1.2 with 56,000 miles came in for a cambelt and full service. We found a cracked timing belt and drive belt, an OSF tyre worn to the cord, excessive play in the OSF ball joint, and the customer is using our six-month payment plan.

A 2016 Ford Focus EcoBoost came into Car Vitals with low oil pressure. Testing confirmed the fault, and further investigation revealed sump blockage, oil pump failure, a blocked vacuum pump, split diaphragm and turbo damage.

A 2018 Renault Kadjar came to Car Vitals with air conditioning blowing warm. A nitrogen pressure test showed no obvious pressure decay, so we removed the bumper for closer leak detection and found a porous condenser before replacing it and re-gassing with R1234yf.

A full-service-history 2016 Ford Fiesta came in for a wet belt replacement. The belt was badly cracked, debris had reached the oil system and a split vacuum-pump diaphragm was found before it could lead to turbo failure.