New Avensis Verso Owner - 2004

[billy12345]

hi guys,

i've just bought a flood damage repaired vehicle. To be honest the reason for buying the mpv is for personal/family usage. As long as the vehicle doesn't give me serious problems, i plan to keep such a vehicle for as long as possible

The vehicle was involved in some sort of flooding in 2006 and was declared a total-write off in 2007. Since that time its new owner bought it from a salvage, did it up and drove it up until now, so it must be road worthy if its been running for 4yrs.

I've managed to get insurance cover too.

Now i'm aware that there could be hidden dangers from flood damage, such as rust, corrosion, but i only found minimal rust for this age vehicle, although the worrying thing was that the owner had washed its engine beforehand (oil leaks?)

There are two other problems:-

1. The airbag light comes on and off randomly - is this the seatbelt pre-tensioner? If so, where is it located? Does anyone have a photo/diagram to show me the location?
   
2. There is some grinding/juddering feeling when i press the brake pedal
   

Thanks

[KenMavor]

hi guys,

i've just bought a flood damage repaired vehicle. To be honest the reason for buying the mpv is for personal/family usage. As long as the vehicle doesn't give me serious problems, i plan to keep such a vehicle for as long as possible

The vehicle was involved in some sort of flooding in 2006 and was declared a total-write off in 2007. Since that time its new owner bought it from a salvage, did it up and drove it up until now, so it must be road worthy if its been running for 4yrs.

I've managed to get insurance cover too.

Now i'm aware that there could be hidden dangers from flood damage, such as rust, corrosion, but i only found minimal rust for this age vehicle, although the worrying thing was that the owner had washed its engine beforehand (oil leaks?)

There are two other problems:-

1. The airbag light comes on and off randomly - is this the seatbelt pre-tensioner? If so, where is it located? Does anyone have a photo/diagram to show me the location?
   
2. There is some grinding/juddering feeling when i press the brake pedal
   

Thanks

Welcome to the forum.

I have a 2002 Avensis Verso and love it.

Probably can't help you with number one but two is usually cured by new brake discs and pads on the front. Presume the grinding/juddering happens when you are driving. Could easily be that brake caliper is sticking. Replacing discs and pads is easy (apart from pushing the caliper piston back in) and when they are being replaced you can get a good look at the calipers. Might be seals are damaged. Would presume previous owner had them replaced after the flooding. Does sound like discs and/or pads. Have you had a look at them? When were the pads last replaced?

[billy12345]

Thanks for the warm welcome ken. According to the owner, the vehicle has recently had a new clutch with release bearing and new front calipers and pads.

I can only go by his word, although my friend checked it and the pads have a while to go yet.

I must add though that I described the problem wrongly. Its not ONLY when i press the brake, but even if i'm driving and simply touching the brake pedal (NOT BRAKING), i can feel grinding. Once I start pressing the brake pedal, the grinding gets heavier and you can feel the pedal juddering, but not the car. Can't actually hear this noise, only feel it through the pedals.

Does it sound like something is seized?

[KenMavor]

Thanks for the warm welcome ken. According to the owner, the vehicle has recently had a new clutch with release bearing and new front calipers and pads.

I can only go by his word, although my friend checked it and the pads have a while to go yet.

I must add though that I described the problem wrongly. Its not ONLY when i press the brake, but even if i'm driving and simply touching the brake pedal (NOT BRAKING), i can feel grinding. Once I start pressing the brake pedal, the grinding gets heavier and you can feel the pedal juddering, but not the car. Can't actually hear this noise, only feel it through the pedals.

Does it sound like something is seized?

Certainly seems brake related at the least. Does the car pull to either side whilst under braking? Very difficult to diagnose. Other things to check is that the caliper isn't binding on the brakes all the time - ie When there is no pressure on the brake pedal the pads should not be in contact with the disc. Also check there is nothing like a stone caught anywhere. If you are mechanical literate worth jacking up the car, supporting on axle stands, and having a look see. Take wheel off and see if everything looks normal. See if Kwik Fit have their free brake check and get them to do it for you. If they find anything get it fixed elsewhere.

[billy12345]

Thanks very much for your advice ken.

As adviced, I went down to kwik-fit as they still do a free brake-check. The guy did a visual inspection of the brakes (NOT ON ANY RAMP!) and then got into the car and took it for a test drive. He also could feel slight vibrations and said its most likely due to cheap pads and warped discs.

He recommended that I get the pads by kwikfit as they come with a lifetime warranty (£70 fitted). He said that he could not be sure if the discs were definately warped and recommended i replace the pads first, see how it runs and then if there still is problem, then also the front discs too (£100 fitted) Total=£170.

My friend says don't waste money yet, drive it around and let them wear out/warp as i only do local mileage. Once they are quite bad, then replace them from kwikfit.

I don't know what to do.

[Konrad C]

Thanks very much for your advice ken.

As adviced, I went down to kwik-fit as they still do a free brake-check. The guy did a visual inspection of the brakes (NOT ON ANY RAMP!) and then got into the car and took it for a test drive. He also could feel slight vibrations and said its most likely due to cheap pads and warped discs.

He recommended that I get the pads by kwikfit as they come with a lifetime warranty (£70 fitted). He said that he could not be sure if the discs were definately warped and recommended i replace the pads first, see how it runs and then if there still is problem, then also the front discs too (£100 fitted) Total=£170.

My friend says don't waste money yet, drive it around and let them wear out/warp as i only do local mileage. Once they are quite bad, then replace them from kwikfit.

I don't know what to do.

Billy,

Kwikfit prices are good.

If the warp is bad, I would have them changed. Personally I don't like warped brakes.

Your friends suggestion is good.

[KenMavor]

Thanks very much for your advice ken.

As adviced, I went down to kwik-fit as they still do a free brake-check. The guy did a visual inspection of the brakes (NOT ON ANY RAMP!) and then got into the car and took it for a test drive. He also could feel slight vibrations and said its most likely due to cheap pads and warped discs.

He recommended that I get the pads by kwikfit as they come with a lifetime warranty (£70 fitted). He said that he could not be sure if the discs were definately warped and recommended i replace the pads first, see how it runs and then if there still is problem, then also the front discs too (£100 fitted) Total=£170.

My friend says don't waste money yet, drive it around and let them wear out/warp as i only do local mileage. Once they are quite bad, then replace them from kwikfit.

I don't know what to do.

I would say £170 for discs and pads is a pretty good price and if both items are warrantied for a year then would do what your mate says. They should not impact the braking capability of the car but shudder will get worse as you use them. If you are going to get them replaced by Kwik Fit see if you can get them to balance the wheels as part of the deal. That way everything should be true and square when you put on the new pads and discs.

[billy12345]

thanks very much konrad and ken for your advice. I'm gonna drive the vehicle around for now and see how i get on and when they get worse, i'll get the job done.

@ ken - you mentioned about balancing, but i noticed that my nearside front wheel has worn down on the edges...even though i so far have no issues with tracking or pulling i'm just wondering if the brakes have anything to do with it.

Now since this problem is kind of solved, i'd be most grateful if someone could help me regarding the airbag warning light issue, where the airbag light comes on and goes off at random times. Please show me some pictures on how to fix this.

thanks

[billy12345]

I don't believe this

I've now also noticed that the power steering is quite a bit heavy and also the when i press on the brakes, the steering shakes too.

I also read all the documents and noticed that the mar 2010 MOT has an advisory note saying "power steering drive belt starting to crack" What is this? Where is it located? Can i easily access it?

[billy12345]

is there no one who can help me pls?