My suspension seems really loud...

creepyc · Post by **creepyc** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:37 pm

Had my Bongo a few months now, unfortunately not long after taking ownership my off side ball joint broke resulting in a snapped wishbone, not to fun at speed!
All repaired now and feels pretty good.....

However (Although I don’t believe related) due to losing a bit of confidence I’ve started to notice every noise!
My suspension seems really loud... as if it’s bottoming out even over minor bumps although generally the suspension seems sound.

Is this normal? Bigger problem lurking?

Many thanks

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:48 pm

i know what you mean. concerned about mine especially on speed bumps. i beleive it is a telescopic suspension known to be noisy. have brushes checked

jake

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:56 pm

Mine was clunky at the rear when I got it. Put new rear droplinks and anti-roll bar bushes in and it transformed it. Now rides really well. Not a hard job to do as long as the nuts aren't seized. Lots of info and advice on here about the job. I've not needed to do my front ones but maybe you do? Good luck.

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 12:59 am

With Mike on that one, droplinks & antirollbar bushes & brackets all round if they've not already been done. Not a difficult job, nuts may be a bit stiff, good soaking with wd40 the day before. It'll be like driving a new car for less than £100.

creepyc · Post by **creepyc** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 11:34 pm

Cheers... due for a service so I'll go on your tips.

Poped it into Setyres to get it up on a ramp and they said it seems OK so for now I think I'll put up with the noise...

creepyc · Post by **creepyc** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 3:21 pm

I've been through the Members PDF's to find more info on droplinks and anti-roll bar bushes etc....Did not have any luck.
A freind is servicing my Bongo shortly and I wondered if anyone could point me in the direction of some instructions for fitting / checking droplinks and anti-roll bar bushes etc and also cheap sources for purchasing?

Many thanks

coco bongo · Post by **coco bongo** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 3:30 pm

E bay have some on, at not a bad price. I think the anti roll bar stuff shouldn't be too hard to replace. Ive only seen a front drop link done, as ive not had to replace the rest.

Only a matter of time knowing my luck, should be someone on here who would be able to give you a few pointers.

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 4:05 pm

Front drop links - not easy to test on the car as you have to take off all the weight from it. Considering the price of these things, if you have any regular knocking then replace them. It is invariably the source of the noise. You can buy them off ebay as I've posted on here before but beware, some are poor quality as I found out and had to replace them within a year. I've always had good service from Pearl Products droplinks in the past. These are available from a good local motor factors for about a tenner each. Ask for Vauxhall Vectra front droplinks 1995-2001 model. They are identical. Alternatively I think Ian is selling them at a reduced price in the Bongo shop. I replaced mine (again) last month. It took longer to jack up the car and remove the wheel than it did to remove the droplink. It all depends how solid the nuts are. A good soaking in releasing oil will help (better than WD40 as WD40 is a water dispersant not a penetrating oil). If in any doubt if worn, the ball will move too easily in the socket.

Rear droplinks - these are effectively a bolt going through a rubber bush. You can usually tell if they are worn by the bolt touching the metal side of the droplink eye or the rubber parting company with the link. I've bought these off ebay from a guy from Monmouth and they've been fine. About £29 inc postage IIRC.

Anti-roll bar bushes are usually easy peasy to replace. If they look badly split or cracked or the ARB looks loose inside the bush then replace. Simply jack up (front or back) and remove two bolts that hold the shackle which in turn holds the ARB bush. Slide a new bush over the ARB and refit the shackle. A bit of grease or swarfega on the bush will help it slide along the ARB. Again Ian stocks these I believe. Alternatives are the likes of Bongobits or a Mazda dealer.

creepyc · Post by **creepyc** » Tue May 06, 2008 9:57 pm

OK Front drop links have now been replaced.... Unfortunately they seem to have made no difference at all

This sounds slightly mad but the noise almost appears to come from the middle of the Bongo with a slight bias to the front.... Any ideas??

Regarding the rear drop links and bushes etc does anyone have a photo of what to look for?

Many thanks
John

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Tue May 06, 2008 10:22 pm

Did you check/replace the anti roll bar bushes & brackets as well? I've had both rear brackets snap in the last few months, the noise didn't appear to come from the rear while going over speed bumps etc, worth checking.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Tue May 06, 2008 10:25 pm

missfixit70 wrote:Did you check/replace the anti roll bar bushes & brackets as well? I've had both rear brackets snap in the last few months, the noise didn't appear to come from the rear while going over speed bumps etc, worth checking.

Beat me to it Kirsty. I did my front droplinks on Sunday and improved things, but didn't fully disappear them. I think it is almost a rule that droplinks and anti-roll bar bushes (and brackets if necessary) are best done at the same time. Like Mister Munkey says though, it turns an old car into a new one

My suspension seems really loud...

My suspension seems really loud...

Re: My suspension seems really loud...

Re: My suspension seems really loud...

Re: My suspension seems really loud...