1995 Hyundai Accent-multiple concerns

Last year we discovered clunking noises when going over bumps even at low
speeds. We were told that it was most likely broken springs in the front
end (by a Hyundai dealer-without looking at or driving the car). Clunking
is getting worse and more frequent. Does this sound like a correct
diagnosis?


Brakes seem to fail on occassion but work when pumped. Just had all new
brake/rotors etc last fall. Ideas?

 

Clunking noises could be just about anything suspension related.

Check your brake system thoroughly. I once worked on a car that the
longer it was driven without braking, the more the pedal went to the
floor. I eventually found that the recently replaced front pads had a
shim out of position, and was wedged between the piston and caliper
bracket. Because it was made out of spring metal and was gradually
pushing the piston back in.

 

Ball Joints?

BTW - don't pay Hyundai $60-70 for theirs. Rockauto.com had mine (01
Santa Fe 2WD) for $17 complete for a MOOG replacement...

As for the brakes - thats simply unacceptable. I personally don't
'piddle around' with brakes - if they're not working properly, they get
torn down til I find the problem... This gets expensive, but not
anywhere near my $1000 insurance deductable...

JS

 

If the car still has the original shocks and struts, that's probably a
good place to start. Check for worn out rubber bushings, ball joints and
so forth as well. Springs can break, but it seems less likely than
something else simply being worn out.

Don't drive it until you find the problem. I would start by examining
the brakes for obvious leaks or missassembly and bleeding them. If that
doesn't work, the master cylinder may be shot.

 

in the states there was a recall on your accent for rusting suspension
springs that break, look it up.....