Hello all,

Been experiencing a very strange creaky/clunking sort of noise everytime I pull off from stationary – usually when in traffic or at the traffic lights e.t.c. I've noticed that its at its loudest when the car jolts forward or backwards.

I have had it for a week now but at first I thought it was just my socket set bit lying under my car banging about. But having put it away this noise is still there and is coming from somewhere around the drivers footwell area. Having wound down the window when expecting to hear it, I found that it can be heard outside as well – so its not just something rattling inside.

My car is on FK coilovers and it’s had brand new suspension /wishbone bushes fitted 3 months ago so can’t be those. I have never replaced my ARB or its bushes but appears to be in really good condition TBH.

I suspected many things…at first I thought it’s the clutch as when you bring the clutch up to bite it does make this noise, then I thought it’s the brakes as when you apply them a bit harshly whilst moving the same noise is heard, and finally thought it may be the exhaust rattling or something but its not that either. I’ve also checked the springs to ensure they are not dislocated, but all is well.

The only other thing I can suspect is that a subframe bolt may have worked loose (from when it was removed to fit the bushes), but everything is pretty much tight underneath.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what it could potentially be? (perhaps from previous experience?) Any help or advice appreciated.

Many thanks

Gearbox mount springs to mind. BUt it could be anything. Does the noise sound like its coming from a particular area?

Thanks for the reply.

It sounds like its coming from the drivers side mate (RHD)

Wouldn't the gearbox mount be in the passenger side?

I don't know the english name for the part that i've changed on my Fabia. (sinoblock?)

It's on the lower 'wishbone', and it supports the whole wheel assembly. It has a conic screw.

I'm sorry but I really don'rt know how do describe it further.

I don't know the english name for the part that i've changed on my Fabia. (sinoblock?)

It's on the lower 'wishbone', and it supports the whole wheel assembly. It has a conic screw.

That sounds like he's describing the lower ball joint ?

Anyway, are you sure the noise is coming from the front ?

I had (have) similar symptoms with SWMBO's Fabia and it appears to be the rear axle bushes.

With the car stationary try rocking it from side to side rather than back and forwards and see if you can re-create the noise, if you can get someone to get underneath & trace where it's coming from.

dogbone mount maybe? they are prone to bush wear

First thing I'd check is the drive shaft gaitors at the wheel end.......if split the grease is likely to have been washed out and the joint is running dry.

Find a big bit of space (retail park) and do a couple of 360 turns on full lock, both forward and backward. If you get a 'clunk clunk clunk' then that's yer problem.

You could also just take the front wheels off and check the gaitors by sight.

Thanks for the replies. I took the car on a long drive earlier today. Having done this, I’ve noticed that this noise is only apparent when the car is either moving off from stationary or coming to stand still after braking. When the car is on the go at any speed higher than parking speed, the noise is non existent.

With regards to the dog bone mount, is this the rear engine mount that comes from near the subframe?

Also would the lower arm balljoint (as mentioned) likely to create this kind of noise if its worn or damaged. I would have thought it came off when I had my wishbone bushes overhauled so it may the case that it got damaged in the process.

In terms of the location of the noise, I am a bit unclear as to where it is from exactly. I have sometimes thought its coming from the centre console area where the gearstick is, but most of the time I hear it from the front (mostly driver side but hear it from the passenger side too).

First thing I'd check is the drive shaft gaitors at the wheel end.......if split the grease is likely to have been washed out and the joint is running dry.

Find a big bit of space (retail park) and do a couple of 360 turns on full lock, both forward and backward. If you get a 'clunk clunk clunk' then that's yer problem.

You could also just take the front wheels off and check the gaitors by sight.

Lance – I have noticed than when going in full lock in parking speeds, this noise is at its longest (i.e. lasts longer than when going straight). I have had the drivers side CV joint replaced about 12 months ago and had a look at it again but the gaitor is still as new. There is no visible damage to the passenger side one either.

Are you in the RAF by any chance??

anti roll bar drop links broke!

The droplinks, visually, appear to be fine. Nothings broken.