As title says I have a clunking/ knocking noise from the front end but only when cold and when using the car first thing in the morning.

Spoken to Sinclair Skoda, bearing in mind I work for Sinclair Mercedes as technician I thought they would look after me but they are blaming my RARB for the noise.

We have Mercedes in with similar noises and end up being shock absorbers. Surely the RARB wouldn't cause this noise. Once I drive for 5 minutes after first using the car in the morning the noise goes.

If anyone has had this problem can you please comment as I think Skoda are having a laugh and trying to get out of replacing parts under warranty, had rubbish after sales care since I've owned the car.

Thanks Richard

Hi Richard, yeah...I'm ex tech and have seen this sort of thing on numerous cars. It often turns out to be an arb at front of back. The noise can travel as you know, and it sometimes is a bugger to identify which one. You can check it your self of course with the usual fixes: ie spray the bushes on the arb with rubber lube and work it well in where you can, then see if the noise goes away. Also check the mount bolts are nice and tight, but you don't need me to tell you that. I also had a car doing this some time ago and it was the front arb that was clunking. It turned out to be just the bushes needing lubing. Think I use the first thing to hand which was Waxoyl applied with a stiff brush which allowed me to work it in around the bushes. It doesn't hurt rubber as you know and it proved where the problem was. Of course, none of this might be your problem, it could lay elsewhere. But look there first. Good luck.

Thank you for the reply, dropped the car off at Skoda earlier. Forgot to mention I've tried libricating the RARB, also tried to lube the front top strut mounts. I found my osf antirollbar drop link loose but that didn't solve the knocking noise. Had to change the clamps on the RARB also but made sure everything is tight normally check it over in work once a month too.

Skoda have ordered a pair of shock absorbers so hopefully will fix this, I will keep this post updated with the results.

Had the car back and it was still clunking, all they did was lubricate stuff. Cars back in Skoda now and they are saying it's the rear that's making the noise so I have to go get it then take the RARB off and then take it back! Meant to be staff, with Mercedes we can just change parts under warranty why can't they just fit something. I'm sure it's front shock absorbers as the C Class w204 does the exact same. They haven't liked my RARB since I fitted it knew they would make a fuss of it.

If anyone has any more info it would be goodz

Thanks

Some information would help.

like.

 

What age and mileage of car, when did you get it.

Is it on the Original Springs, and all standard  apart from a rear ARB you fitted.  or have you a aftermarket front ARB fitted.

 

Any previous Warranty work required or any repairs previously.?

 

Are the Brakes, Pads all OK. 

& what have you checked yourself since you are a Mercedes Technician?  Are you a Qualified Technician / Mechanic?

 

? Can a Mercedes Workshop workmate not give a second opinion and check the car.

Sorry more info would be better...

DOB : 3/12/2013

Milage : 16500

All standard apart from RARB

Warranty work carried out - 4 tyres and tracking as pulling to left, drivers door seal, outer window black vinyls peeling.

Systems qualified Technician for Mercedes, I've checked all drop links, bushes, springs, shock tester in MOT bay. Noise only happens on the first drive of the car. Front drop link offside was loose but tightened and noise still exists.

All brakes are ok pads are about 50% worn if that.

Had our Diagnostic tech look at the car and he also agrees front shock absorbers.

Last week i had a broken drivers side front spring. 

there was just a twang on full lock and when starting off when cold.

The broken spring was only visible when it was stripped down.

 

As to yours,  

there have been steering rack failures and Warranty repairs getting done.

But if the new dampers fix things that is good.

 

The issue with wear and rear can be put down maybe to Skoda Approving tyre Brand changes to disguise the Pulling to the Left 

which is down to poor Factory Line Alignment & Quality Control for UK Bound Right Hand Drive cars.

 

At least Skoda are footing the bill as long as it is not Accidental or External Damage on the car.

 

?

do you have Lowering Springs fitted.?

Edited 17 March, 201511 yr by goneoffSKi

Il wait for the phone call tomorrow but when I get it back il check the springs with a mirror the best I can.

Didn't know anything about the rack thank you, I will mention that to them see if they can have any input.

No lowering springs fitted but do have them in work ready. Just waited until this noise was dealt with incase it was shock absorbers.

Hopefully it will be sorted tomorrow, along with my drivers window switch that seems to have a mind of it's own.

Thanks Again

Did you get this sorted as it sounds the same issue I'm having with mine.

Got the noise sorted but they don't know what it was, they told me they libricated all of the bushes. Since I've fitted lowering springs I haven't heard a noise.

Some owners find a "Clunk" when setting off first thing down to handbrake sticking. Not sure if its the shoes stick to the drums or something but quite common, especially after driving in wet/damp conditions.  My version has rear discs and pads... Never had the problem.