Knocking noise

[DannyVTS]

Recently fitted a lower suspension brace, but going to work today I ttted a speedbump

I now have a knocking noise which sounds like the droplinks but they aren't knocking when I bang them from underneath.

One of them looks a bit tatty but it's doing it's job :/ I noticed the track rod looked a bit shabby too but it seemed to be fine :s

I've checked all the bushes that could be slack and everything seems tight. Only thing that's slack is the girl linkages but they've been pike that since I got the car :/

Any help ? It's a 2000 Saxo VTS

Danny

I took a picture of the only cosmetic damage i could find

[DannyVTS]

doogz said:

Droplink looks shagged. And i'd change that track rod end too.

What's a girl linkage?

Changing the gear linkages isn't a big job either, little bit fiddly, but all you need is a 13mm spanner or similar, jack, and stands.

Gear*** sorry mate I'm on the mobile in the garage at the moment. Most parts shops are shut now ! Bugger

Track rod end hard to do ?

[DannyVTS]

I've noticed a lack of grip recently too mate, thought it was the tyres but could it be related ?

[littlebasher]

Open bonnet, and with car on ground grab top of wheel with both hands and try and pull it backwards and forwards.

Watch the strut top as you do it, and see how much play there is in that.

[The Nur]

DannyVTS said:

I've noticed a lack of grip recently too mate, thought it was the tyres but could it be related ?

As well as the lack of grip, has the steering got a slightly vague feel to it? Sounds like track rod to me (I have no experience in comparison to some posting on here, but a similar problem)

[Ricky_M]

The droplinks on my Puma were similar to that when I changed them. It transformed the handling, may also be worth checking the Anti-Roll bar bushes.

[Zad]

Have you checked the top of the spring coils? They can break close to the top and result in it clunking like a clunky thing.

[DannyVTS]

Thanks for the replies

I have checked the coils and top mount bearing they are fine

I'll get the parts tomorrow and hopefully fix the french st

On the shopping list :
2x track rods
2x drop links

Any other things I need ?

[littlebasher]

Penetrating fluid

[pacman1]

doogz said:

littlebasher said:

Penetrating fluid

Blowtorch? Angle grinder?

KY?

[morgrp]

You'll not be able to tell if the drop links are shagged without taking the weight off the roll bar - they're so easy and cheap to change just do them anyway

[DannyVTS]

Changed track rod ends and drop links and all I've ended up with is wonky steering
Knock persists

[pinchmeimdreamin]

DannyVTS said:

Changed track rod ends and drop links and all I've ended up with is wonky steering
Knock persists

If you have put new Track rods and Drop links on and your steering is now wonky, I would guess you did something wrong.

[DannyVTS]

pinchmeimdreamin said:

If you have put new Track rods and Drop links on and your steering is now wonky, I would guess you did something wrong.

Ends were different was hard to match them

If my steering in slightly anti clockwise (to the left) should I extend or tighten the ball joint ?

[Mr2Mike]

DannyVTS said:

Ends were different was hard to match them

If my steering in slightly anti clockwise (to the left) should I extend or tighten the ball joint ?

You can't possibly tell without getting the tracking done. Either or both of the rod ends could be out, and it would be easy to get the steering wheel straight but have excessive toe in/out.

[matchmaker]

Try the anti-roll bar bushes. My Octavia developed a bad knock from the front and I thought it was a top mount. Changed that using a lot of blood, sweat and bad language (as well as tools.........) and there was sod all difference.

I then changed both wishbones - same story including the blood, etc.

I then changed both A/R bar bushes - they didn't look worn, though.

Sorted - no knock

Edited to add the bit about the wishbones - I'd tried to erase that from my memory

Edited by matchmaker on Thursday 10th February 13:06

[DannyVTS]

It was the wishbone brace that took the brunt of the speedbump

But the wishbones look fine

Im off to have another look

[DannyVTS]

doogz said:

on which side?

You really need to take it and have it aligned properly, on a proper machine.

While you're there, ask the guy to have a look about while he's got it on the ramps, see if he can spot anything else that needs replaced.

It's the front right/drivers/offside

Just been under the car, managed to get it on the top level of axle stands so I have plenty of clearence.

Still everything seems solid. I guess it would with no weight on there

[DannyVTS]

doogz said:

You need to give things a really good shake, get a big screwdriver wedged inbetween the bush and the chassis or whatever, and give it a right good rattle, they're not going to produce the same noise/knock they do with 1 tonne of car accelerating on top of them, when you're giving them a prod with your finger.

Sure your top mounts are fine and dandy?

Top mounts look fine to me.

I'll check them again. brb

[Dimski]

I feel the pain Danny, I've had a knocking or what felt like a u/s bush for over 1 year, but 3 garages, a new steering rack, rebuilt damper, alignment checked (twice) and time on a shaker have all failed to find the problem. I've given up trying until it gets so bad it should be easier to diagnose!