Scrunch!

GTVGEOFF

Member
Messages
381
My Gransport has developed a noise from the font suspension, it's more than a squeak, not a knock, more of a creak. I have had a look and can't see anything amiss, other than the rubber cover over the top of the shock absorber is all caught up. Seems to becoming from nearside. It drives just fine.
Have done a search and seems others have had similar problems, but not any definitive answers. Your thoughts appreciated (on the creak!)
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
The flan block bushes have an inner metal on metal bearing around which it is supposed to rotate, so the rubber doesn’t get put into shear. If the grease dries out it tries to rotate the rubber and some think this the precursor to a split wishbone.
 

GTVGEOFF

Member
Messages
381
Yes I believe dried bushes, but hard tell which one's.
I think a process of elimination is perhaps the way forward, I will try lubricating the roll bar bushes first. If that's not the issue I guess Zep will be proved correct again. Any tips to tell if it's top or bottom flan blocks? The suspension is so stiff it's impossible to move with a bar.
Pity Maserati never discovered grease nipples.
 

GTVGEOFF

Member
Messages
381
Just 5o add to this. If the car is stationery and the steering turned, the noise can be heard, it is coming from the nearside.
So I guess steering joint or either the top or bottom joints. Top joints are available, but lower is cast into the wishbone?
 

MaserMike

Member
Messages
329
Have you been able to take the wheel(s) off or have access to a ramp or lift to have a look Geoff?
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
What do folks recommend for lubricating bushes?

Clean answers only please! ;)

For the 4200 / Gransport there isn’t really a way, the flanges on the end of the bushes effectively make them sealed for life. For the QP / GT the bushes are rubber in shear and don’t suffer the same issues.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Lower shock bush, wheels off and dribble oil quite liberally in them and see if that sorts it. You can open the door and jump on the sills to test.

If not it could be as mentioned above so you need to have this checked as a bush trying to revolve in the wishbone will crack it along the rear seam.
 

GTVGEOFF

Member
Messages
381
Hi Mike
I hope I have found the issue. I disconnected the track rod and was able to turn the wheel by hand easily with no noise. The track rod Bush also turned silently. On closer inspection the track rod sits in a collar that is pressed into the hub carrier. A previous owner has hammered the carrier I guess trying to relieve the track rod and deformed it slightly. So the collar did not sit square and I think may have been turning in thr carrier (are you still with me) I have now setted correctly and put bearing seal in. Have yet to test but fingers crossed. Checked for cracks but didn't see any.
 

MaserMike

Member
Messages
329
Hi Mike
I hope I have found the issue. I disconnected the track rod and was able to turn the wheel by hand easily with no noise. The track rod Bush also turned silently. On closer inspection the track rod sits in a collar that is pressed into the hub carrier. A previous owner has hammered the carrier I guess trying to relieve the track rod and deformed it slightly. So the collar did not sit square and I think may have been turning in thr carrier (are you still with me) I have now setted correctly and put bearing seal in. Have yet to test but fingers crossed. Checked for cracks but didn't see any.
Fingers crossed that has done the trick Geoff! Otherwise as others have said may need a bit of lube :) My Testarossa is having all its rear bushes replaced and some front ones too at the moment as part of the big service… all were cracked/perished with age.
 

GTVGEOFF

Member
Messages
381
Update on this.
Well, it's better but still a noise. definitely nearside wheel, it's only when I turn the steering even stationery. So farI have removed the track rod joint took of the rubber cover added some grease and reassembled, I marked with white paint to make sure nothing had moved during the test drive. Can't find any play in any of the joints. With the track rod disconnected I could turn the hub by hand easily with on noise , also the track rod bush.
Questions.
The track rod fitting into the hub is tapered, yet the steel bush in the hub is parallel, isthis correct?
Do the covers around the ball joints come unstuck, or do you have to split the joint to remove them?

I have attached pictures to show that abuse the hub carrier has received in the past.
 

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GTVGEOFF

Member
Messages
381
Just thought I would let you know that it was indeed the bottom wishbone ball joint. New wish bone fitted plus roll bar drop links, D bushes, bottom shock absorber bushes and new rubber top covers. Has improved and quietened the ride no end.
 

RSM Masser

Member
Messages
2,437
Just thought I would let you know that it was indeed the bottom wishbone ball joint. New wish bone fitted plus roll bar drop links, D bushes, bottom shock absorber bushes and new rubber top covers. Has improved and quietened the ride no end.

Where did you get the lower shock absorber bushes from?
One of mine looks a bit worn and I don’t want to replace it then take the shock out again
 

GTVGEOFF

Member
Messages
381
The bottom shock absorber bushes and lower wishbone complete came from Eurospares.
The D bushes and drop links for the front roll bar came from Scuderia.
Have to say replacing these parts as transformed the car.