3200 Lower Control Arms

[mchristyuk]

Been hunting a knocking and creaking noise on the 3200 which only appears at around manoeuvring speed. Myself and two separate garages have come to the conclusion that the most likely culprit is the lower control arm, and from reading this forum I'm aware that the ball joint is a weak spot.

1) Am I correct in thinking that the 4200 arms are a direct replacement (they seem some what cheaper and more readily available than the 3200 arms)?
2) If yes, are these the correct arms here (Part No: 186676) http://www.eurospares.co.uk/searchResult_one.asp?S=186676&TM=3&TMo=380&TA=1&TB=20160

I'll also replace the upper bushes whilst I'm at it just to complete the picture. I've already replaced the anti roll bar bushes and the drop links so hopefully this will nip the noise in the bud!

Cheers

Mark

 

[davy83]

I have never noticed creaking from the ball joints, only the roll bar drop links they get a bit creaky when gone. Check the rubber covers on the ball joints, its these that go and makes the ball joint rust and seize up.

 

[Almichie]

I had similar; after a huge fit of anger trying to find the source it came forth... I grabbed the top of the wheel and really pulled and pushed hard. - the noise I was hearing was there, turned out to be the top ball joint. Worth a look as it's certainly less expensive than the bottom!!

 

[mchristyuk]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies. I think I've got a mixture of noises.. the creaking I think is probably the bushes on their last legs, however the clonking has to be a ball joint as all the roll bar parts have been refreshed.

I'll give the wheel a good tug and see if I can isolate the "clonk". However I'm tempted just to replace the whole lot for peace of mind as I've already prepared myself on the cost of the lower arms, the additional cost of the upper joints seems almost trivial in comparison!

But back to my original question.. is the part number I listed for the 4200 arms the correct one to fit the 3200, and I'm right in thinking the 4200 arms do actually fit?

Cheers

Mark

 

[davy83]

I have always used the 3200 suspension arms so I cannot comment on whether the 4200 units will fit. I think they are the same, certainly there is not much difference, but couldn't say for sure. The only thing i used 4200 parts for was the window motors as the 3200 ones are pants, and they fixed it for the 4200. With a fair bit of messing around it is possible to make a hybrid 4200/3200 motor, which is much better, but they were totally different! You could ask Eurospares or David Askew, what they think, if its officially a drop fit they will tell you, .... probably.

 

[mchristyuk]

Hi Davy,

There was this thread here discussing it http://www.sportsmaserati.com/showthread.php/4147-3200-Front-Wishbone-Replacment?highlight=clunk.

And I've seen others mention fitting of 4200 arms. It's just the Eurospares website has a lot of different 4200 arms! I'll drop Eurospares an email and see what they say as they don't seem to be currently cross referenced to 3200's on the site.

Cheers

Mark

 

[mchristyuk]

Well.. here's an interesting development.

Firstly David Askew confirmed that the 4200 arms are a straight drop in replacement for the 3200. However before I got round to pressing the buy button today, I installed a new set of front brake pads.

Silence!!!

The old pads were EBC Yellow Stuff and were not worn out, but were getting close to the wear sensor. I replaced them with a set of stock Pagid pads.

I can only assume that they were worn enough to be clattering around in the callipers, but not enough to be flagging up the wear sensor. Certainly I felt there were still a few thousand miles left in them before they really needed replacing. I've heard pad clatter before in callipers on my MX-5 so didn't believe it could be this... but clearly it was. Weird, as it really did sound like suspension knocking, and several people all came to the same conclusion.. so it wasn't just me going mad!

Either way.. only £80 spent rectifying this annoying knocking noise rather than the £700 I was looking at for the control arms!

Cheers

Mark

 

[CatmanV2]

Pads really shouldn't rattle in the calipers. How odd

C

 

[mchristyuk]

Very odd indeed. My mk1 MX5 did it when the retaining springs were missing. However in this instance everything was present and correct.

I'm not going to think about it too much.. Just enjoy the nice quiet ride now!

Mark