206cc 1.6 bottoming out on bumpy roads

[Nellie]

It's spent three weeks in the garage for them to fix the problem but it's still not done They've replaced something to do with the front suspension but it's whenever I go over a bump in the road, the back of the car bottoms out, it sounds as through the bodywork is hitting the tyre, but there's no damage that I can see to the tyre & the garage assures me that they've checked the bump stops. It hasn't been lowered and there's nothing heavy in the boot.

However, OH thinks I've got the wrong tyres on the car. the backs are 195 55 r 15 whereas the fronts are 185 55 r15. the backs do look as though they are too big for the alloys. Does anyone have any idea please? It's the 5 spoke alloys if that makes any difference.

I'm loathe to spend any more money on it, it's cost me over £1000 already this year....which for a year with no summer, I'm thinking selling my 4x4 was a stupid idea

thanks all

[GrandadMonkey]

Ours are 195/55R15 on our 1.6 Allure.

With a 10 year old car at your sort of mileage the shock absorbers are probably worn out. With all those owners it probably has had some unsympathetic drivers too. I'd check that the exhaust isn't catching the bodywork. However, if I was unhappy with our car I'd sell it and buy another. Do bear in mind though that at this time of year convertible prices are lower than in spring time.

[Capncol]

Rear axle bearings are prone to failure on 206's. To test, jack the rear and support it on stands and leave handbrake on. Then using a lot of force, try and see if the wheels will move side-to-side. There should be no movement or play other than up & down (suspension travel)