So I’m hoping I’ve finally got to the bottom of my cars knocking noise, alas it wasn’t fixed today 😞 

 

issue 1 - top suspension mount has lower section missing. Apparently obvious which part is missing when you compare both sides. Firstly is it possible to see the mount easily to compare? Secondly how long would it take to install a whole new one? (Garage has suggested I try the local Skoda dealer to see if we can get the part of it required rather than a whole one.)

 

issue 2 - coil spring mounted upside down. Not impressed with this given it was the same garage that installed some rubbish brakes on my car last year.

 

issue 3 - inner tie rod has play in the ball joint. I presume this means just a new tie rod? How long would it take to install one of these?

 

issue 4 - front ARB rubber d bushes have issues. I presume that these are “just” arb bushes that you can see near the wheels. (Had these replaced earlier this year by same rubbish garage, although on a photo I put up on here they didn’t seem to be an issue.)

 

 

Issues:

 

1. Just replace the whole top mount, it all has to come off anyway.

 

2. Turn the spring right way up while replacing top mount.

 

3. Replace track rod and steering rack gaiter.

 

4. Replace ARB bushes and clamps since the clamp threads invariably strip when removing them, this is probably what the garage means.

 

Never use the stupid garage who did this again, buy cheap, buy twice!

It'll be the bearing that's fallen out due to the spring being upside down, item 2 here:

https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/fabia/fab/2004-225/4/411-411011/

 

The absence of that will have damaged the top mount itself (item 4), I should think, as the bearing is the seat for the top of the spring (normally!).

 

No wonder it was noisy.

Edited 11 December, 20196 yr by Wino

Thanks for the help... I haven’t used the rubbish garage for nearly a year, I wasn’t impressed with their customer service last time I went. They weren’t bargain basement either, “normal” prices.

 

so bearing in mind the car will be for sale in a couple of months, I’m not spending a fortune on it, however the spring will have to be fixed.

 

for top mount, will an el cheapo from eBay be ok (like the one in the attached photo), or just get one from the main dealer.

 

stupid question is the track rod the same as an inner tie rod? Both track rods were replaced a year ago, presuming still get it done? Is there a lot of work in replacing the steering rack gaiter? 

 

I presume by the arb bushes and clamps I got the right bit in my original post?

 

Car is also due a service soon. I’m guessing that it will save a good bit on labour costs if I have this work done at the same time?

4 minutes ago, Wench said:

will an el cheapo from eBay be ok

 

Yep, it'll be fine.  I wouldn't bother doing any of the other things, they may not be necessary to cure the noise.

If you're selling it just get the top mount done, this will get rid of the rattling.

I can't figure why you think getting a service done will reduce the cost, it is entirely additional work you need, again, I'd skip the service if you're selling it in two months.

Didn't think it was possible to install a front spring upside-down as I thought they were the same at each end. I might be wrong though as it's a while since I did mine.

1 hour ago, TMB said:

Didn't think it was possible to install a front spring upside-down as I thought they were the same at each end. I might be wrong though as it's a while since I did mine.

Even if it’s not upside down the missing strut parts won’t help!

11 minutes ago, Wench said:

Even if it’s not upside down the missing strut parts won’t help!

 

Maybe it's snapped at the top and the bearing fell down.

Edited 11 December, 20196 yr by TMB

I'm slightly sure the pigtail that's meant to be at the top is smaller diameter than the one that's meant to be at the bottom. Don't have a spare to measure just now.

1 minute ago, Wino said:

I'm slightly sure the pigtail that's meant to be at the top is smaller diameter than the one that's meant to be at the bottom. Don't have a spare to measure just now.

 

Yes, could be. Memory is foggy since I did mine.

 

I know this can happen if they snap...

 

 

 

Possibly a victim of the "wait till we get a report " before sorting pothole culture prevalent amongst a lot of LA( Where LA then claim section 58  defence =**** off not our fault). My damage was more severe- broken spring and severely damaged top mount. Spotted at my local place .  No real signs of damage. Car drove ok with no pulling or knocking. I've still got the broken spring, but the top bit is missing.

 

I've mentioned this on other posts . Awhile back, ECP had a scheme whereby if you signed up for news letters etc ,you got a one time discount on first purchase. obviously you give them a disposable e mail address ,so if junk /spam goes up, you can ditch the address after the big discount order.

12 minutes ago, TMB said:

 

Maybe it's snapped at the top and the bearing fell down.

I should hope not given it was new 13 months ago! 

1 minute ago, Wench said:

I should hope not given it was new 13 months ago! 

 

OK, must just be that they made a right pig's ear of the job then.

11 hours ago, TMB said:

 

OK, must just be that they made a right pig's ear of the job then.

 

Along with everything else they did on my car by the looks of it 

15 hours ago, TMB said:

Didn't think it was possible to install a front spring upside-down as I thought they were the same at each end. I might be wrong though as it's a while since I did mine.

 The actual angles of the coils are different at each end as lower end sits on a ramp built into strut pad. How do I know - been there, done that, spotted before re-installing strut.

4 hours ago, KeithCheetham said:

 The actual angles of the coils are different at each end as lower end sits on a ramp built into strut pad. How do I know - been there, done that, spotted before re-installing strut.

 

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