GT4 clonking noise

[bosshog]

So I’ve got a strange noise on my 981 GT4 that’s happened intermittently, once a year ago on the way to the Alps and again this weekend. It’s really quite loud when it happens. It sound like its coming from the front left suspension area. The best way I can describe it is it sounds like a rod of metal knocking hard against the chassis. It’s happens over bumps like something has been dislodged and then gets stuck again and I never hear it again. It lasts for a few hours then suddenly stops. I had it up on the ramp at a local OPC in the Alps the first time and they had a look over the suspension visually and said everything looks ok. The rest of the Alps trip I didn’t hear it again and until this weekend driving slowly through my village it suddenly started again.
I’ve had the odd ‘bong’ from the suspension but this is proper loud and knocks quite loud. Going of bumps causes it.

Any ideas ?
Thanks

[SkinnyPete]

Hard to say, but in my experience visual inspection is often of little use these circumstances.

In order to test bushes for play etc, you need to partially remove or unbolt them from the car in order to exert leverage.

[Redline88]

Not much help but the bong is quite common and normal, mine does it occasionally but only once then stops.

Appreciate that doesn’t help with the other knocking noise!

[Discombobulate]

Not familiar with the GT4 set up, but if it happens more when the car is warm, and worse downhill, then ball joint in front arm(s) likely culprit. When they start to go (often at surprisingly low mileage) they are often OK when cold, with the movement only happening as they warm up and expand. Can sound awful like something is very loose, but look and feel normal on inspection unless removed from the car.
Center(sic) of Gravity picked up mine on a GT3 and 997.

[av185]

In late 2015 when I collected my new 981 GT4 this noise was the first thing I noticed when driving over certain bumps but the car only did it sparodically.

Perfectly normal I would suggest.

For reference never known a 718 GT4 to do it and mine doesn't either.

[Romo]

My previous 718 GT4 had high pitching noises front right, I had it checked and it there were small stones between the spring. It also damaged the red spring cover.

The sound came from cracking stones, ping ping ping sound.











Don`t know if you're having the same issue, but you never know.

[elisered]

I had a clonking noise going over bumps in my Spyder which i ultimately discovered was due to a loose caliper bolt - however it was not intermittent.

[robj4]

Had a similar noise in a 981GT4, traced to the anti roll bar to link bolt not being nipped up tight enough

[bosshog]

Thanks all for your thoughts.

robj4 said:

Had a similar noise in a 981GT4, traced to the anti roll bar to link bolt not being nipped up tight enough

I did wonder if its the anti-roll bar. Was it intermittent though for you?

[Far Cough]

robj4 said:

Had a similar noise in a 981GT4, traced to the anti roll bar to link bolt not being nipped up tight enough

Just had exactly this on my car. Intermittent bong noise like it came from behind the dashboard. Diagnosed and sorted by OPC

[Youforreal.]

Internet diagnostics for pinpoint accuracy.

[Far Cough]

Youforreal. said:

Internet diagnostics for pinpoint accuracy.

True but worth a few pointers for him to check. Have a lovely day

OP , hope you got it / get it sorted

[President Merkin]

I had one on a 987 that I couldn't find for love nor money. By pure chance, I checked the battery tray & realised the previous owner had changed the battery for a smaller one & it was bashng against the inner wing. I was on the verge of setting the car on fire up to that point.

Otherwise, the usual suspects that people have mentioned, top mounts, droplinks, coffin arms etc. There's not that much it can be down the front but there are also coolant transfer lines etc that are worth checking are all secure and so on. Good luck OP,

[Youforreal.]

Far Cough said:

Youforreal. said:

Internet diagnostics for pinpoint accuracy.

True but worth a few pointers for him to check. Have a lovely day

OP , hope you got it / get it sorted

Wasn’t aimed at you, just funny how there is always so many suggestions is all.

[robj4]

bosshog said:

Thanks all for your thoughts.

robj4 said:

Had a similar noise in a 981GT4, traced to the anti roll bar to link bolt not being nipped up tight enough

I did wonder if its the anti-roll bar. Was it intermittent though for you?

It was, took a certain kind of bump to overcome the not quite tight enough joint between the ARB and link.

Edit: Just re-read your original post, mine wasn't as intermittant as you describe, sounds like it could be the spring moving in the seat occasionally. I used to get that kind of clonking as you described, still do on the GT3 very occasionally

Edited by robj4 on Wednesday 24th July 06:45

[bosshog]

Thanks all. Was at OPC getting some other work this week and they had a look over and said they couldn’t spot anything. I doubt they removed the wheel or anything though.

I’ll have to myself or wait until I can get a recording to motivate the OPC more