Technical Suspension knock

[Adrian Bravo]

I have just got my Bravo back after its been up on a bodyshops 2 post ramp for 4 months. Since ive got it back the front suspension has a light knock which wasnt there before I think its down to the suspension hanging in an un-natural position for so long.

I though i would post about it in case you can give advice or make suggestions about what to replace from experience, because im bound to miss the cause.

MOT did not pick up any faults what so ever.
On some journys i have not heard the knock at all.
I can feel a slight jolt through the steering wheel in time to the sound when turning through the entire turning range. It seems to happen more turning the steering wheel. The car does not veer or missbehave and the steering feels precise.

I was thinking about changing;
Anti roll bar drop links, (already bought polyurethane)
Anti roll bar bushes, (already bought polyurethane)
Top mounts,
wishbones,
Track Rod Ends,
Springs.

I have checked the wheel bolts are tight and had a look over things. From reading the forums ill check the subframe to chasis bolts and some bolts on the hub.

Cheers

 

[Rigby]

Definitely sounds like track rod ends and bushes. Does any of it move if you give it a shove?

 

[m20b25]

I was thinking it could be a wishbone or top mount, a clicking in my old car when turning right nearly drove me mad. When I swapped most stuff onto the van (except the wishbones) the clicking was gone

 

[Adrian Bravo]

I did three journys today. In the morning it was normal, in the afternoon it was very bad and in the evening it was barely noticable. I should be able to jack it up tomorrow night after work and have a quick look around.

So far though I now have waiting to be fitted;
Wishbones,
Track Rod ends
Drop links with polyurethane bushes
polyurethane anti roll bar bushes

 

[Bravo16VSpoonz]

worn wishbone bushes, or possibly drop links could be a big factor

 

[CFREITAS]

if the car has been on ramp that long iits probably the top mounts

 

[darylsummers]

Just today I have replaced my driverside wishbone and bushes... was making no noises but I only noticed the problem when I took off my wheel to stop my break squeaking! Glad I caught it in time. Only cost £45 all in all to fix

 

[Adrian Bravo]

Thanks for the input everyone. I could not see any play or loose bolts so tomorrow after work I am ordering some top mounts at Fiat. That will bring the parts being fitted to;

Topmounts,
Wishbones,
Track Rod ends
Drop links with polyurethane bushes
Polyurethane anti roll bar bushes.

Just need to find a good garage to fit it

 

[Adrian Bravo]

Its settled down a lot now almost unoticable now. Car is booked into a garage to have those parts fitted next Friday.

 

[Adrian Bravo]

Well things did not go to plan but it was a complete success

In the end parts fitted where; Wishbones, Track Rod ends and the Drop links with polyurethane bushes. He didnt fit the topmounts and Polyurethane anti roll bar bushes because like a mellon I stupidly did not get spare nuts and bolts to replace possible difficult ones.

It has been money well spent the car is so much stiffer and nicer to drive I have been grining from ear to ear, I would recomend replacing those parts to anyone with an older bravo/a. I plan to get some new springs and shocks so when that happens I will get the top mounts I bought fitted at the same time and perhaps the Poly ARB bushes plus a bucket load of new nuts and bolts.

 

[Adrian Bravo]

pictures;

 

[m20b25]

Sweet

How much were those bits?

 

[Adrian Bravo]

Hey M2 someone asked in my members motors too;

shop4parts are doing an offer on a lot of parts so with the club discount I got, both wishbones for just £51.50 and both track rod ends for just £16.80.

The poly drop link bushes where about £20.00. I already had the new drop links cant remember what i paid for those.

The poly ARB bushes where £35.00. The topmounts where £62.00 each but as I said neither of these have been fitted yet.

 

[m20b25]

Cheers!

 

[Adrian Bravo]

I decided to cut the ruber boot on my old track rod end expecting it to be all shiny inside. it wasnt rust poured out . The rubber seal was not damaged but it was not a tight fit at the top.