UNDERSIDE INSPECTION

24 CHECK REAR SUBFRAME

Use a small hammer to tap along the lower edge of the rear subframe, especially the area shown here, which is known to corrode and weaken. Check the rear trailing arms in the same way, especially where the coil springs sit. Consider wire brushing the subframe and rustproofing it.

25 CHECK EXHAUST

The exhaust system has a single silencer at the rear (which was the original Nissan part on this car). Check its hangers are secure and not perished. If it’s safe to do so, run the engine and listen for leaks from the exhaust system, especially around any joints and around the silencer, which can corrode and leak.

26 CHECK BRAKE/FUEL LINES

The brake and fuel lines are routed underneath the vehicle, on the offside. Check all these lines are securely clipped into position. The clips can perish over time and break, but can be replaced with new from various places – including the Nissan main dealer.

27 REMOVE UNDERTRAY

The plastic engine undertray is secured with several 10mm bolts and plastic trim plugs (prise out the centre of the plug to release it). Extract all, then remove the undertray to see the lower area of the engine and gearbox. We discovered oil residue around the bellhousing, possibly caused by a leaking rear main oil seal.

28 CHECK FRONT SUBFRAME

The front subframe can become covered in surface corrosion, just like the rear subframe, so clean off any such rust with a wire brush. Use a small hammer to tap along the subframe to see whether any corrosion has gone beyond the superficial stage. If it has, this must be repaired or the subframe replaced.

29 CHECK COOLANT PIPES

With the engine undertray removed, the coolant hose that’s connected to the bottom of the radiator can be seen. If the engine and its coolant are cold, squeeze the hose to look for signs of perishing, especially where it’s attached to the bottom of the radiator. Check all other coolant hoses inside the engine bay.