Front Wheel Issue

[Stevekid1]

Whilst driving yesterday the car developed a knocking from the front nearside wheel. Everytime I pull away I get a single knock. At any speed if coasting, when I re-accelorate it knocks again, as if something is loose or moving that should,nt be. At one point when turning right out of a parking space there was also a significant scraping sound but that did not seem to happen any more. I have been noticing when reversing of the drive on full look it feels like the car is dragging a tyre across the road rather than it rolling smoothly. Anyone got any ideas?

I replaced the entire front suspension about four years ago and fitted new track rod ends last July with a new steering rack. Its all been fine until yesterday. I have only had a brief look so far but cant see anything obvious.

Thanks, Steve

[staginhiding]

Has your Drag strut broken possibly?

[Stevekid1]

Hi Staginhiding,

That was actually the first thing I looked at because its all polybushed but having cleaned it i cannot see any fractures in it and all seems ok with this part.

Cheers, Steve

[Seaking]

Had a something like that on mine turned out to be wheel nut studs that had become loose brought a new hub and fitted that only became apparent when i jacke up the front end and gave it a good shake

[GDPR]

With the suspension loaded, is the rubber knuckle joint of the antiroll bar rubbing on the drag strut? They collapse and make a fearful noise....

[Stevekid1]

Thanks for replies. I have now had a proper look. Cant get anything to show excessive movement with a small pry bar and nothing seems to have collapsed bush wise apart from the anti roll bar bush above the gear box oil cooler. This seems very flat/squashed and I have not previously changed these because it looks like the oil cooler needs to come off to do it. Could this cause a clonk? The only other thing a can see is very very slight play in the wheel bearing. Would this cause it to clonk?

Thanks Steve

[staginhiding]

Both would need to be pretty well worn to cause the symptoms you describe..

[martin]

Hi Steve, if it is the a/r bushes, just take the whole assembly off, not difficult, no need to shift the trans oil cooler. Replace with dark blue poly's, and new U bolts, they'll probably bust anyway.
It sounds a bit as if the strut top rubber seats have worn through, and the spring is singing to you. Martin.

[wilf]

Brake caliper securing bolts tight?

[Stevekid1]

Thanks Martin, I do hope it isn't the top mounts they have only been on 4.5 years and covered no more than 7000 miles. I didn't enjoy doing the front suspension and dont fancy doing these again. Of course you cant see them without taking the legs off. I already have the poly bushes for the roll bar, whats put me off is that it does not look as though the u bolt will come out past the oil cooler pipes on the off side hense i though the cooler would need to come out as well.

Wilf, I will check these with a socket tomorrow as they are pretty new and may have come loose. Did not think to look at those.

Cheers Guys.