front Suspension knocking, 3200

[Almichie]

I still think the lower ball joints are likely or its the rears (top or bottom) and you are not hearing the source well. The suspension ball joints don't last very long so are a prime problem (except for the front upper one which is the cheapest to replace and lasts longer than all the others doooh). One thing might be the AR bushes, did you look at these? If these start to rotate rather than twist they click and creak? They are reasonably cheap and easy to replace, it might be worth a try.

Thanks for the reply. I will order some D bushes for the AR bar(s); I have some top shock mounts to try and will work though the items until I find the culprit. I find it odd as it had no advisories from the MOT at all.

It's definitely coming from the front as you can hear And feel the noise.

 

[Almichie]

Soooooo I looked into this again today and am pleased to say I have found the issue..... Drum roll please......


Top ball joint has play. It took a while to find and the wheel was removed and replaced a number of times before narrowing it down. The odd thing is when jacked up and the arm is stretched downward no play could be felt. Out of pure frustration with the wheel on I grabbed the wheel and vented some anger and hey presto the knock was heard!! It still took a bit of fiddling to pin point; with the wheel off I had to jack up the suspension to show the play in the ball.

It looks a pain to change and will mean a wheel alignment afterwards. I'll have this done at the same time as the tyres and springs and they can do the alignment at that point.

 

[davy83]

Well done, another issue sorted. The front upper joint is the only one you can replace without replacing the whole arm so it should be less expensive than the other 6

 

[Almichie]

£102.65