Technical Suspension

[StuartH]

Hi, I have 2 (hopefully minor) suspension related (or maybe not?) problems with my JTD weekend.

First - when going over speedbumps or any other large bump, the OSF suspension creaks - but only when the wieght comes OFF the wheels, ie going down the speedbump. On compression it is fine.
No knocks or any other odd noises, and no strange handling. I've not noticed the creak at any other time.

Second - probably related to the first, but maybe not. It appears that the OS of the car is sitting somewhat lower than the NS. About an inch lower. Admittedly, I've only just noticed it when I parked up - and I've just brimmed it with diesel. Is the tank in the middle of the car or to one side?, can't look now as I'm at work....
I'm thinking it's probably suspension related, so is likely related to the creak - but does anyone have any ideas (hopefully easy enough for me to do it myself) before I get mugged by my local garage?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wilqaeda]

Don't know about the off stance, but the creaking will be your ARB links, just a metal rod that holds the anti roll bar in place. easy to replace and cheap too!

 

[StuartH]

Thanks for the reply. I've done drop links before on other cars, so that should be ok. I'm a bit concerned about the stance though - so I might have to take it to be checked out by someone who knows what they're looking for.

Thanks again

 

[kc jones]

ive a 2.4 jtd and had the droplinks replaced yesterday but i just had a lot of knocking when over dodgy roads and road humps and its gone now costed me £70 to have them fitted all in

 

[StuartH]

Thanks, drop links have just been ordered for £17 from the Bay and I can fit them easily enough myself. Won't hurt to have new ones even if that doesn't cure the creak.

As I said, of more concern is the leaning - if the new links don't sort it, I will have to get someone who knows more to have a look.

 

[Wilqaeda]

Don't suppose you know if one side has had springs changed and not the other? robin on the bravo forum brought a marea and one side's springs were newer than the other. worth a check i guess!

 

[Bravo_Pro]

I love you guys!!

not much help I know but I have a 2.4jtd and it continuosly knocks on roads as if someone has a hammer on my anti-roll bar and every little bump is a knock.
I have got new wishbones and bushes, new anti-roll bar bushes, cut part of the new wishbones off as I thought it was that knocking (very small gaps under the car)
Now I am hoping that it is the drop links, if so that is the cheapest part yet

oh and to be slightly helpful ^what they said, perhaps new spring on one side?

Darren

 

[StuartH]

Well - the drop links have cured the issues.
The OS drop link was snapped clean through and so wasn't doing anything and the NS was very badly worn.

Replaced both and now the car sits level and is nice and quiet.

Unsurprisingly, it now handles a lot better too!!
Not a nice job though, all 4 nuts had rust welded themselves to the car and it was a massive pain to get them undone. No angle grinder either, which will be recitified soon, so had to just swear a lot and persevere.

Next time I find myself in a similar situation I will be armed with the equipment to cut them off

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Wilqaeda]

Nice job, mine were rusted solid too, nothing a LOT of penetrating fluid can't fix though and brute force!