3200 Strange sound when crossing bumpy roads...

[Undefined]

Hi all,

I noticed that sometimes when my 3200 runs across some bumpy roads, there are some sounds like metal banging.... but not always, just occasionally happen when the tire crossing some holes on the road (i.e. the tire comes across a sudden drop and pushing it up again) with around 40-50KM/h or above...

It seldom (or I didn't notice) happen when the tire crosses the bumps (i.e. the tire and suspension got pressed up and then drop back to normal height) even with some speed...

The sounds sometimes come from the front and sometimes from the rear.... the sound is just like when your car cross some metal drainage covers on the road which are not placed well..... but I am sure the sound of my car is not coming from the metal drainage covers....

Anyone got similar experience or could think about what could cause such problem? Really appreciate for your help....

Best regards,
Michael.

 

[rotorheadcase]

I have been told that the matrix inside the catalytic converters have been known to come loose and make a similar noise. Alternatively, the exhaust boxes are double skinned and may alos be causing the noise

Neil

 

[hodroyd]

If the sound moves from front to rear, it is probably as Rotorheadcase says, an exhaust related issue, otherwise I would have suggested bushes, or dampers.

 

[davy83]

it depends a lot on the sort of noise it is? is it a light metal clanking kind of noise or a more mechanical thunk, heavier? the cars are notorious for bottom ball joints which seem to last 20-30k miles so i would check these in your search.

 

[Undefined]

Thanks for all your suggestions!

Finally, I brought my car to my mechanic since I am not sure whether it could lead to any safety problem. Surprisingly, the suspected problem was so easy to identify... my rear stabilizer bar on the right was broken..... It should be part 14 in the Rear Suspension diagram in Eurospares.... The upper part of this thing was broken and it could turn in a limited angle, suspecting that when the car runs on the bumpy roads, this part turns and hit some other parts to make the noise... My mechanic briefly checked other parts and he said that it should be fine... Hope that it is really the cause of the noise and fix it, then, no more noise!

Thank you very much!

 

[conaero]

Glad you got it sorted. That is not one I have seen before.

 

[hodroyd]

Michael,
Excellent news, hopefully you will not have any more trouble. Try and steer around the big holes in the roads.
Cheers
R

 

[Undefined]

Just update on this case.... The broken rod had been fixed, it supposed to be connecting the rear anti-roll bar and the suspension arm... believe the noise was mad by the anti-roll bar while it vibrated when crossing the bumpy roads ... Here is the pictures:

1) The rods detached from the car... the lower one was broken, which was on my right rear... You can see the ball joint broke.... My left rear rod should be fine... but just play safe, change it together....



2) Close up on the broken ball joint:


3) Another side of the rod, the rubber part had been removed and can see what it supposed to be:


4) The new pair of the stabilizers:

 

[safrane]

Had these done on my 4200 3 years back, they should be checked for excessive play during any decent service...where mine was picked up

 

[2b1ask1]

Ooooh shiny bits....!

I get a noise something akin to a frog croak on really big dippy bumps on the lanes and wriggly bits.... I've always put this down to hitting the stops!

 

[hodroyd]

Newton,
You will hit the stops at 120mph mate on bumps, go a bit faster and you should skip over the tops.
Cheers
R

 

[BennyD]

........but, hopefully, not off the side.

 

[2b1ask1]

But getting all 4 wheels in the air is part of the fun; just as long as they stay lower than the roof!!!!

 

[hodroyd]

Abso' Bloomin' Right mate..!!