Hi folks, long time lurker, first time poster. In the past a search of past topics has normally lead me to the solution to an issue, but this time I feel the need to ask, I am sure one of you will know exactly what is going on!

 

First of all, my car is a 2005 1.9l SDI Mk1 Fabia. Everything as standard, apart from winter tyres

Over the past few months (I would say I noticed the beginnings in late November), I have had a light thumping/knocking sound coming from the front wheels of my car while driving (not focused to one side or the other). It was only at high speeds to begin with and seemed very minor, but over time it has become more pronounced, and begun at lower speeds until the point that it begins at 15-20 mph, and gets louder as the car goes faster.  It is not linked to engine speed (same when accelerating or coasting), purely to road speed. The sound does not change when I steer, but can vary slightly with road surface type. I've had no noticeable drop in performance.

 

My car passed its MOT in December, although I was advised that it would need a new wheel bearing sooner rather than later, I assumed this explained my problem. However, a mechanic in London said that the bearings on all 4 wheels were fine and didn't need changing, although he did change the discs and brakes on the front wheels, saying they were in a bad state (I know, he probably fleeced me there). I have kept driving it occasionally but the sound has deteriorated further.

I described my problem to my girlfriend's brother over the phone, and he said it was either a ball joint, but much more likely the droplinks. Researching on this forum leads me to believe it is the droplinks too, but after also asking the mechanic that did the MOT, he was skeptical and thought it could be the CV joints.

So with this conflicting advice, I'd like to pass my situation to the all knowing cloud of Fabia owners and expects in the hope that your wisdom can answer my situation!

drop links common which would sound like the sound ur describing