Hi guys,

For a while now I've had an annoying rattling/knocking noise when I go over certain road surfaces or over speed bumps.

I've just replaced the console bushes (which was a pain in the arse) but the noise is still there. Whilst doing the bushes I took a look at the other suspension bushes etc and couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.

Any ideas? It's driving me insane!

Cheers

Liam

I did read your OP, but my first reaction to the title was "droplinks or ARB mount bushes". My other thought is of a  broken pigtail on a spring (look right up inside the damper towers).

It could also be the strut top mount bush/bearing(s) that have gone. Quite a few things that can cause knocking on the front suspension and sometimes its a matter of trial and error until you eliminate it, just be methodological and check every perishable item.

 

Maybe a long shot but check the engine mounts too (dog bone and gear box) as these can have excessive play with high mileage and start to knock.

 

Mine's recently developed a slight knocking from the front so I'm going to have to investigate on mine at some point. Good luck!

bottom balljoint

bottom balljoint

How would you know whether this was the issue? Excessive play?

How would you know whether this was the issue? Excessive play?

thats the normal thing to change either that or drop link

Ive just had the same issue and it was the drop link.

Turn your wheel to full lock, and 'twist' the drop link to try and lock it whilst someone rock's your car side-by-side you will notice a little play in it but when you release the twist and simply hold the drop link, it will be knocking it's conkers off

 

good luck

bottom balljoint

 

 

How would you know whether this was the issue? Excessive play?

To start with. It will also affect your tracking, and lead to excess inside edge wear on a front tyre (whichever side the balljoint's gone on). In one extreme case, I've seen someone drive the car like that until the tyre was literally through to the belts.

Sometime in the week I'll take a look at the droplinks and ballpoints to see if there's any play.

After changing the console bushes, the difference is unbelievable. The old bushes were absolutely shot so on the motorway the steering wheel wobbled, however now it's perfect!