Clonk on steering or suspension

[martinjohn]

Just recently i have noticed a clonk coming from the front steering or suspension.This happens when i turn the steering wheel in either direction and generally on full lock when i am manoeuvring the car ie reversing or moving forward at low speed, it also seems worse when perhaps the road or driveway has a camber, thus causing either the front offside or nearside to be slightly raised.

Initially i thought it was loose wheel nuts but its not. Track rod ends are ok and as far as i am aware also the vertical wishbone linkages.The only thing i can think of is the steering rack may be moving or has come loose.

Any suggestions please.

[Austin Branson]

Hello Martin, I think I know what this is, as it happened to mine. In my case, it was the right hand road spring colliding with a bolt-head as it turned. I had had the suspension bushes replaced by a TR specialist, and it appeared after that. To correct, I had to dismantle the right hand suspension, turn the spring through 180degrees, and re-assemble. Bingo!

Please let us know how you get on.

Austin

[Mike C]

Check the tightness of the steering rack mounting bolts.

[heckler]

Might be worth checking lower wishbone brackets to chassis are all good . Chris

[martinjohn]

Thanks Gents

That,s an interesting one about the spring hitting a bolt head,i think my best bet is to jack up the front of the car and put a big lever under each tyre (when on full lock) to see or hear if there are any

loose parts. If it is the spring then i may be able to see where its catching due to the fact they are painted red and of course in theory the paint should be damaged.

Regards

[Chilp3]

Hi Martin,

I would suggest that you also take a look at the front suspension top ball joints which will create a 'clonk' if worn to excess. I had this problem on my car which when replaced solved the 'clonking'.

 

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

Best Regards, Peter