[Steering & Suspension] back end problem

[rougeit]

My 1999 mulispace has just gone bang at the back. Going up my track there was a big bang and the rear of the car has visibly dropped right down to the arches. It's the same on both sides. It still drives (although I'm naturally not going to drive it anywhere) and there's no real noise from the back but it's obviously very bumpy! There was no warning for this - no moaning, knocking or anything. Does this sound like a dreaded axle fail or might it be something less dramatic? Would be good to know if it's worth fixing or if after 190,000 miles it's finally given up the ghost.

[evdama]

A multispace would probably be worth fixing if its in reasonable nick.
Reconditioned axles or the parts are available (£200???)
Just check your cars current value -it might be worth it or it might be better to get scrap value and put the money into a replacement vehicle.
Any investment will only return the car to its correct market price -it wont enhance it.

[Rustscrat]

Sounds like it's one or both of the torsion bars. illyme:
Easy to diagnose but a bitch to change.

[rougeit]

ooh! here's hoping it's those. better find a mechanic with a bit of patience for them. How would I know if it's torsion bars and not a big axle problem?

[ron]

ooh! here's hoping it's those. better find a mechanic with a bit of patience for them. How would I know if it's torsion bars and not a big axle problem?

The lack of height might be your biggest clue.

[evdama]

Torsion bars are a big axle problem!
They are the "springs" which keep the back end springy .

The labour charge might arrive at something similar to the cost of a reconditioned axle -which would have had the bearings done as well.

Lots of choices you dont want right now I know, but its awful finding out a few months later youve thrown good money after bad.

[FeuxLingo]

Torsion bars are a big axle problem!
They are the "springs" which keep the back end springy .

The labour charge might arrive at something similar to the cost of a reconditioned axle -which would have had the bearings done as well.

Lots of choices you dont want right now I know, but its awful finding out a few months later youve thrown good money after bad.

I cant imagine its possible for both torsion bars to snap at the same time (its the only way both sides would drop down), but best thing to do is jack it up and get it on axle stands and have a good look/prod at the various parts.

[addo]

In a three bar setup (left torsion, right torsion, ARB) breaking one of the torsion bars will allow the ARB to pull the sprung side down in concert with the broken side. If both broke, it'd be on the bumpstops.

ETA: Unless the rest of the car is cream crackered, I'm always an advocate of fixing stuff - at least the grossest extent of one's problems are known.