Technical Clunking passenger side wishbone??

[Jactheloony]

Hi all, got an annoying problem with my mk2 2005 fiat punto active 1.2 8v. I bought this car a couple of months ago and got a bargain as it was a family member who sold it me.

When I go over speed bumps, pot holes, ruff roads I get a clunking noise on the front end passenger side.

It sounds like something is hitting the bottom of the car and is a metal on metal sound.

So I took it to a mechanic and he had a look and said he couldn't find anything wrong he thought it might be the drop links but he said they were fine so I drove him on a cobble road and he said something's definitely not right but the only thing he found wrong was a bolt missing it's top on the wishbone and he said he would have to replace the wishbone.

He also said that might not be what us causing the noise so I'm confused as to what it could be.
Sorry if I'm rambling just trying to explain everything.
Anyone got any ideas because it's driving me potty.

 

[a1ant]

Hi and WELCOME TO THE FORUM :wave:

Assuming that you have a Mk2b then your car does not have drop links, so you can rule them out.

Can you describe which bolt is missing on the wishbone? or where on the wish bone its located? Im not sure what you mean "missing its top"

Common failures include the outer anti-roll bar bushes, these are the ones that connect the anti-roll bar to the under side of the track control arm.

The rear bush on the track control arm can create a banging that feels like its under your feet when it occurs if its knackered.

The front track control arm bush can wear and create a knocking (usually more apparent under breaking/ acceleration)

If the noise is coming from the top of the suspension (ie near the top of the front wing) then top mounts can also fail and create a knocking noise.

I assume your mechanic has checked for play in the ball joints? Both the ball joint that joins with the hub AND the track rod end ball joint can create knocking if worn.

Normally if ANY of the bushed on the track control arm or the ball joint are worn/ damaged, you simply replace the whole track control arm as your mechanic has suggested. They can be had new for around £50 plus fitting.

Alan

 

[Jactheloony]

It's a knocking and creaking and I'm not very technical sorry haha the part you would unscrew the bolt with has sheared off on the front wheel side of the wish bone. I'm not sure the mechanic I went to is a very good one if he checked non existent drop links haha won't be taking the car back there

 

[Jactheloony]

Can I upload a picture to this site

 

[atom0007]

after a few more posts.


Sheared pinch bolt head...maybe it was loose and the wishbone pin was clunking in the split clamp?

 

[Jactheloony]

after a few more posts.


Sheared pinch bolt head...maybe it was loose and the wishbone pin was clunking in the split clamp?

I took it back to another garage and they can't find what's causing the bang.

The bolt that has sheared I was told I would have to replace the full wishbone unsure as to what to do might just scrap it be a shame but really can't be bothered spending any more repairs on this car.

 

[atom0007]

"full" wishbone costs about £30.
I would expect a garage to fit a new wishbone for <£100.
Depends on your area. But better than buying a new car. Bolts don't just lose their head normally, it's been turned off at some point by someone.

 

[flisko]

why scrap, will it fail mot cuz of this?

 

[Jactheloony]

Yea it would have been an mot failure but took a chance and had left wishbone replaced the sheared bolt was causing the noise it turns out payed 80 for fitting and labour it now sounds like a car is meant to sound thanks for your help and I was going to scrap as the wish bone being the way it was had wrecked the tyres and the alignment was out just had to replace back box a couple of weeks ago as it fell off haha I did only pay 500 for it so not too fussed