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Rattle!

Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:10 pm
by Gilb666
I've been getting an increasing ammount of noise coming from the front left suspension area on my gtx. thought it was stuff in the boot at first, but taking that out today has confirmed its coming from the front

I've taken off the wheel and had a look around, everything seems secure - checked strut top and bottom bolts, and the driveshaft. CV joints looked fine about a month ago when i replaced both boots on that side. if i grab the front wheel with that corner off the ground and lift i do get a slight bit of noise, but strangley cant get the same to happen without the wheel on, even using a leaver (expected more noise, as lifting causes it, and there's less to lift without the wheel?)

When the wheel is on, and i push down on that corner of the car, i get a 'clunk' noise. when driving it sounds like something is very loose, but handles drives and stops just as normal.

Using a stethoscope on the top mount as my dad bounced the front suspension, the noise does seem to be coming from the centre bolt

Anyone have any more ideas what it might be? as this is now my daily, i'm really hoping i can get it sorted tomorrow afternoon :help:

Re: Rattle!

Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:46 pm
by wasted
Possibly the topmount on that side... can you see it separate out from itself when the car is bounced?

Re: Rattle!

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 6:42 am
by Gilb666
it does move, but only very slightly (i'd say no more than 1mm) i presume there should be no movment at all in this?

Re: Rattle!

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:56 am
by wasted
Actually that sounds pretty normal. Topmounts do move a little - they have to, in order to absorb some of the impact from the struts.

Also worth checking the wishbone bolts - if they're loose, it will shift when the wheel is lifted (and of course when the car is bounced). The fact that you hear it through the strut is a bit odd, but it could be transferring the sound.

Other than that, it's probably best to work your way through the suspension on that side - check everything progressively and make sure everything's secure.

Re: Rattle!

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 6:12 pm
by Gilb666
Fixed! i'd not done the big nut thing up that holds the bottom of the shock in place... :blush:

needless to say, i'm quite embarrassed!