Knock when steering one way

[Stimpy]

Just recently my Stag started to make a clunk/nock noise when steering one way.

Eg - start of stationary - turn steering to the right - set off normally (whilst turning to the right) and after about 3 or 4 yards 'CLUNK'.

It's not particularly loud but it's just a bit irritating seeing as she's been good as gold since I bought her.

I'm hoping no-one says something like - 'Ooh no! that's a very expensive known problem - time to remortgage the house!' :shock::shock::shock:

[comeinhandy]

imported post

It sounds very like the problem I had tnat took a long time to find. Eventually it turned out to be the shock absorber insert inside the front strut. Even though it was tightened down, the bottom of the strut was moving/splipping against the inside bottom of the strut and would make a knock every time I moved off. I put in some seam sealer around the bottom of the insert to fix it.

However check all the usual places of play first: ball joint, track rod ends, bush at top of struts, front control(hub to body rod) arm bushes. cheers -jon

[V Mad]

imported post

Check the eight bolts on the front suspension cross-member. If they are not tight it causes a creak which sounds like a clonk.

[Stimpy]

imported post

Thanks for the tips.

I jacked the front up today and took a look at the shocks. They look ok (although I'm not sure what specifically to look at but then I am a numpty when it comes to car mechanics).

Took the socket set to every bolt and nut I could see - all tight.

Took it out for a good drive today to collect some more clues.

Seems that it's worse when steering to the right and accelerating - then the clunk sounds like it's coming from the left and - quite unusually - I can 'feel' the clunk from the left foot rest. The clunk is actually more of a 'snap' noise (a low pitch heavy metallic type of thing).

Whilst jacked up I tested the wheels - essentially grasping the top and bottom and pull-pushing. There's very slight play - just a hint. Doesn't seem to play at different angles to top/bottom. I'm pretty sure that this is not the cause but I thought I'd mention it.

Again - thanks so far.

[DJT]

imported post

Check the bracket where the rollbar deop link fixes to the drag strut (TKC2863 or TKC2864). These can snap off.

Failing that it could be the bottom ball joint (GSJ130).

[Stimpy]

imported post

Just got it back from enginuity who were replacing an electric fan under warranty and they took a look and could not find anything. They said it might be the take up in the diff when pulling away (I know what they mean but its def not that!).

That diagram is great - I'll use it to check the bits and pieces but I guess if I cannot find anything then this is one of those things where you have to wait for component failure to work out what it is!

Enginuity assure me that all is 'safe' underneath though - which gives me some confidence to drive it on motorways etc.

Thanks to all again - very much appreciated.

[comeinhandy]

imported post

If you can't see any problem or play, then I still think it might be the front shock absorber insert, which is inside the front strut. As the shock absorber is completely inside the strut you won't see any outside sign of play. I had the same knock from the front, which would be when pulling away or turning in reverse. The leverage forces on the strut made the shock absorber insert slip (with a knock) on its bottom end.

The only way to check this is to remove the struts and take out the inserts. If it has been slipping, the bottom of the insert will have shiney metal. To fix put it back in with decent seam sealer on it bottom to fix it in place.

regards - jon

[DaveB]

imported post

Hi there,

I had a similar problem recently, clunk...clunk from the steering, subsequently found very worn steering rack to crossmember bushes, I replaced all 4... cheap easy job & no more clunk.clunk,

cheers

Dave

[stagwingnut]

imported post

yes ,i also had the same problem ,took years to find out what it was ,i stripped down the struts ,found one insert loose in the strut housing ,but u cannot feel the play until the spring is compressed or removed !!!!

[Stimpy]

imported post

DJT wrote:

Check the bracket where the rollbar deop link fixes to the drag strut (TKC2863 or TKC2864). These can snap off.

Failing that it could be the bottom ball joint (GSJ130).

 

Thought I'd update this for the benefit of others.

It was what you said it was - where the strut attaches to the anti-roll bar. Basically the bit of metal had sheered off. Nice on the corners now and - most of all - NO KNOCKING! :dude:

[Johnboy]

imported post

And Enginuity didn't find it??

[Stimpy]

imported post

Johnboy wrote:

And Enginuity didn't find it??

Blimey. Thanks for reminding me about my visit to them!

Yes - you're right - it wasn't picked up by enginuity!

I've found an excellent service company between High Wycombe & West wycombe.

I was saddened to hear that a Triumph mechanic, who lived in the same area, recently died. Taking some triumph skills with him. Such a shame at all levels.