75 connoisseur SE 2004 ctdi auto shock absorbers
 

When I drive over a minor hole on the road,I seem to get more of a shock than than I would have thought normal. The car recently passed the M.O.T without any problem. Does it necessarily mean that the shock absorber(s) need replacing? There seems to be a bit of a clunky sound as well,which I think comes from the rear.Thanks for any advice.Norman.

Try pushing each corner of the car down. If should go down and return fairly slowly. If it seems to bounce back up then the shock absorbers are worn.
The mot test does not check that the shock absorbers are working. Only a visual check to see if there are any external leaks of oil.
The clunk could be a broken rear spring !!


Colvert.

knock over pot holes
 

Check your rear suspension coil springs are not broken ,could be the last 50mm of coil will ideally need wheels off to check,my 1.8 club had both its coils broken and it passed its MOT as they are not visable from underneath unless you use a mirror on a stick.Any way changed both in an afternoon and they cost about £40 each but i did replace top and bottom locating rubbers at another £18.But once replaced the 75 drove like new again.(lucky to buy it new in 2002 as my first new car,looking for a zt cdti to keep it company now) hope this is of some help PETE:}

knocks over pot holes
 

forgote to say look at bottom of coils:}

75 Connoiseur SE coil springs
 

Thanks for your advice Pete. I'll do the checks as you advised.Cheers,Norman.