Couple of Qs...

First, I've noticed that on my off-side rear shock, the rigid plastic sleeve that attaches to the rubber coil cover has come unattached and has slipped to the bottom of the shock. Does this need to be replaced ASAP and can it be what's been making a lot of noise?

Secondly, on my drivers side rear wheel arch, I've noticed a narrow clear plastic tube hanging down. Is this simply the drain tube from the sills or is it something more important? Should it be hidden somewhere rather than on view?

Daft questions, I know, but I have to ask them somewhere.

The plastic sleeve you speak of on your rear shocks has been loose like that on my car for circa 20,000 miles and has gone through two MOT tests like it no problem, so I wouldn't worry about it personally . I don't think that mine make any noise whatsoever...

The plastic sleeve you speak of on your rear shocks has been loose like that on my car for circa 20,000 miles and has gone through two MOT tests like it no problem, so I wouldn't worry about it personally . I don't think that mine make any noise whatsoever...

Thanks for that reassurance - any idea on the plastic tube?

It comes from the fuel filler cap drain. Open the fuel cap, see the little hole at the bottom that water can drain out of. That's what the plastic tube comes from, and it isnt' really at all important in my opinion

I recently replaced the rear bumpstops which I had discovered were totally perished on my vRS as the plastic cover you mention was sat at the bottom of the damper - IIRC the bump stop is pulled through the cover which holds it up.

John

If the plastic tube your talking about is the shock absorber cover then its better to have it secured at the top, just to stop rubbish getting into the shock.

I think if you just push it to the top of the shock, it should clip back in.