Knocking noise

[mad in general]

I have only recently had the tracking adjusted after replacing tyres.

I was advised that it was way out of tolerance but we put this down to the fact that I had replaced the front springs.

This knocking noise has developed since the tracking was done. It doesnt seem to occur when there is a sudden jolt through the wheels, hitting potholes or the like. When over uneven but flat ground is when I hear it most, When rolling along the high grip surface they use approaching traffic lights or just cracked and loose ground.

The noise sounds like play in something to do with suspension/steering rather than anything else, although I heard that the top gearbox mount can sound like this when it fails.

Any Ideas folks?

 

[Leonzee]

Sounds like it could be shocks. I've changed a lot to locate mine. I would take it to your closest specialist and they should be able to tell you.

 

[Thrill]

Hi mate,

I had exact same problem.. They haven't tightened the adjuster bolts back up - take it back. If that doesn't cure it, it will be your tie rods

 

[Leonzee]

Honestly, I've had a knock. Now these are the things that can knock: track rod ends, wishbone bushes, ball joints, top mounts, shocks, springs, engine mounts. So I would honestly, say that a knock isn't a knock. A specialist will be able to tell their knocking springs from their ball joints. Literally, this forum is great but it will tug you in every direction when you have a problem.

 

[Adam G]

As well as the above, it could be any number of other things too. Something loose in engine bay - battery etc.

 

[Thrill]

I know mate, best to take it to a specialist with a ramp and have a good look around systematically. This was my scenario and it was the tie rods, mine was a clunk that you could feel through the steering and floor. New tie rods and anti roll bar links fixed it for me The clunking returned and the backstreet garage who did tracking hadn't tightened the nuts back up!

 

[750gixer]

Lock your steering over to one lock, stick your head underneath and with a spanner in your hand, check the track rod lock nuts have been tightened! Check both sides then you will either want to kill some sloppy mechanic or you've just eliminated one problem!

 

[mad in general]

I have just popped round to my local Indy, not a specialist.

They could not hear the noise on a test drive but put it up on the ramp anyway. Had a good prod around the steering arms, suspension etc and could not find any fault. They have said there is no play in any of the bushes and are at a loss.

I will monitor it for the next few days and if it gets worse I will be straight back.

Anyone have an idea?
Fast repeating knock over rough ground from the front end but not when going over potholes or speedbumps etc...

 

[Thrill]

I had the exact same problem for months and months, no local garage could find the clunking noise that happened over uneven/rough ground. In the end, I took it to a specialist and they found this problem and numerous others. Once it left there it was fixed, it was the tie rods. The next day, I have it tracked and then the clunk comes back.. I then find out they haven't tightened up the track rod adjuster nuts. The original problem was the tie rods + anti roll bar links. Once those was fixed, the problem 'returned' and it turned out to be the track rod end adjuster nuts.

Take it to a specialist, you won't regret it.

 

[mad in general]

Well I took the car to rentec in Edinburgh. They had a good look over the car with me and the only fault he could find was a bit of play in the passenger side ball joint.

I have purchased and fitted two new ball joints and it would appear that the knocking noise has gone. Not had a long enough drive to say for definite. Sorted.
However, during fitting I have pierced a small hole in the passenger side cv boot. There is a small amount of grease leaking out. I understand this will only get worse with time so I intend on replacing ASAP.

Can anyone tell me where I can source a new rubber boot and how I would go about replacing it???

Cheers again.

 

[Thrill]

That's brill news mate! Was the ball joint hard to do yourself?

 

[mad in general]

That's brill news mate! Was the ball joint hard to do yourself?

Yeah pretty chuffed with it myself.

It was not too hard, had to buy a splitter and it was a bit awkward lining the new bolts back up but perseverence and the fact I needed the car back on the road to take my mate to his wedding tomorrow gave me a kick up the arse.

 

[Thrill]

Awesome! Might attempt one myself