Knocking noise - still no closer

[sotal]

Still got a knocking noise coming from the nearside front.

Happens most when steering to the right and making the suspension work at the same time.

Never happens when steering left.

Can turn full circles left or right on the flat without any noise.


Ian Taylor had it in for a service today and couldn't find any play in any of the joints. It had new droplinks which made no difference.

The knock is very audible and can be felt through the steering wheel.

The nearside front tyre is wearing badly on the outer edge.

He's having it back in after Christmas for more of a look, but I think it must be the wishbone bushes or ball joint. It's been knocking for about a year now and is getting worse.

Any ideas??

[Northern Bongolow]

try the top bearing on the strut, its hard to detect but makes a hell of a din when it starts to seize up or even collapse. the shake test on the new style mot test should find a good knock, they are not allowed to bar the suspension joints anymore so put the front or back end on shake plates and literally shake the vehicle to detect worn suspension components, have a word with your local tester, offer him a drink to have a look, dont put it in for a full test because if it fails it has no test from that date even though the test aniversary in not yet due.

the bearing is inside 34-390 here.

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... o=.html#16

[Bongolia]

Hi Sotal
Is the Bongo a 4wd?
Is it just the one knock when making the turn or does it knock on the turn when the suspension is "soaking up the bumps", so to speak?
Does Ian Taylor have shaker plates on his MOT ramp do you know?
Was the knock occurring before your last MOT?
Sorry if they sound like silly questions and I have just read Northern Bongolows post but still relevant.

[sotal]

try the top bearing on the strut, its hard to detect but makes a hell of a din when it starts to seize up or even collapse. the shake test on the new style mot test should find a good knock, they are not allowed to bar the suspension joints anymore so put the front or back end on shake plates and literally shake the vehicle to detect worn suspension components, have a word with your local tester, offer him a drink to have a look, dont put it in for a full test because if it fails it has no test from that date even though the test aniversary in not yet due.

the bearing is inside 34-390 here.

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... o=.html#16

Ian had it up on ramps today (I don't know exactly what they did) but they said they couldn't find any play in any of the suspension components.

Is there any way to inspect that bearing without it all popping apart? Ian did mention it as a possibility.

Hi Sotal
Is the Bongo a 4wd?
Is it just the one knock when making the turn or does it knock on the turn when the suspension is "soaking up the bumps", so to speak?
Does Ian Taylor have shaker plates on his MOT ramp do you know?
Was the knock occurring before your last MOT?
Sorry if they sound like silly questions and I have just read Northern Bongolows post but still relevant.

Yes the Bongo is a 4wd
multiple knocks each time
Ian Taylor doesn't do the MOT's himself they are done at the garage at the end of the road (don't know if they have shaker plates)
Yes the knock was there before the last MOT (6 months ago) - and I told them about the knock and asked them to pay particular attention to it (they couldn't find anything wrong!)

[Bongolia]

Ii am wondering if they have shaker plates at that MOT shop, like NB says they are able to pick up stuff not easy to detect using the older set ups. Shaker plates are generally found on "One Person Test Lanes "OPTLs.

The non OPTLs require an assistant for some parts of the test.

Part of the non OPTL prescribed method of test on suspension & steering would require the vehicle be driven onto sliding/turning plates and the wheels would be yanked and pushed in various ways to check for wear in the joints and rack.
To do it properly requires a strong assistant to do the shaking while the tester looks to the joints for signs of play. It is not uncommon for this part of the test to be missed. Even if it were carried out it will not be as effective as shaker plates especially on a 4wd Bongo.
The reason why this procedure is required is that when the vehicle is jacked up then some joints are loaded and it is difficult to detect play.
Shaker plates replicate this non OPTL procedure and do two things, they move the front of the vehicle from side to side laterally with great force,even 1900Kg Bongos!, this picks up play in lower balls joints, shock absorbers, top mounts etc, the second is turning the steering from left to right this will shows wear in track rod ends and steering rack rods AKA drumsticks and the like.

If the servicing shop has two post servicing lifts then the suspension is going to be hanging and pulling on the joints making it very difficult to detect play.
If you do go down the route NB suggests ask the tester if he would do the steering rack test with engine off and looking at the steering rods, wear here would give rise to tyre wear as you describe and a knock may be felt through the steering wheel but I doubt it would repeat knock as you describe.
The top mount bearing are sealed at least on mine they are.
If you could get an audio recording on your phone it would be a great help.

[Bongolia]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YrptNrQhpM
DVSA video

[Bongolia]

Probably a better video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HGbICps3as

[mikeonb4c]

I assume Ian Taylor has ruled out anything related to it being 4wd?

[windywatson]

Hi,
I had exactly same symptoms with a car a few years back. Hell of a job to track down. In the finish it turned out to be the shock absorber within the front strut. It was badly worn at the top where of course it is anchored through the top suspension bearing of the strut. This transmits the knocking noise well & like you I could feel it through the steering too.
Cheers.

[Bongolia]

If Ian Taylor uses Adderley Green Garage for his MOTS and yours was done there then they do have shaker plates.

[sotal]

Yes it goes to Adderley Green Garage for its MOT.

Ian seemed to think it wasn't 4wd related.

Need to get it sorted as it is eating the edge of the tyre and it won't be long until I need to replace that tyre. But don't want to replace the tyre if the issue isn't solved.

[Northern Bongolow]

you could take the glove box out, then the front heater, then put the heater on recirc, remove the foam and put your hand on the nearside shocker top then do a drive test, you should feel it.
or poss easier open the bonnet and get someone to sit on the slam panel and feel the shocker tops whilst turning.

[Doone]

If there was no play when tested on the shaker plates, and you're getting multiple knocks, you should check the front anti roll bar bushes.
Allan.

[Tertiary]

Years ago - when I was a lot younger but not quite so stupid - I had the same issue with a Mk1 escort. Turned out to be the steering rack itself which was knackered...

Just a thought..

[sotal]

you could take the glove box out, then the front heater, then put the heater on recirc, remove the foam and put your hand on the nearside shocker top then do a drive test, you should feel it.
or poss easier open the bonnet and get someone to sit on the slam panel and feel the shocker tops whilst turning.

It doesn't make the noise if sitting still in the drive, so would have to be moving. Your first suggestion sounds hard work!

Thanks for the other suggestions.

Ian is going to have another look.