Clunking noise

[cheekal]

Hi
I have a clunking noise from pasenger front side which mainly occurs when going over bumps.
I took the Bongo to a local garage who said it was the antiroll bars.
had them replaced (old ones were pretty bad).
unfortunately noise is still there.
Took it back in today and they checked it over and could not find the source of the noise there is no play in any of the suspension components.
Told me to come back if it gets any worse.
Has anyone got any ideas.

[Muzorewa]

Did they just do the arb bushes or the drop links as well? Normally you'd do them all at the same time.

[cheekal]

Hi
They just did the drop links.
What are the arb bushes.

[Muzorewa]

The drop links connect the ends of the arb to the chassis. The arb is connected to the axle via two D-shaped bushes and steel clamps. Normally once you're stripping the system down you'd do the lot as the price of the parts is peanuts.

[g8dhe]

Check that the tool kit and spare release pole are correctly located in the storage area behind the side step! They've been known to rattle around inside loose and sound like the suspension!

[cheekal]

The drop links connect the ends of the arb to the chassis. The arb is connected to the axle via two D-shaped bushes and steel clamps. Normally once you're stripping the system down you'd do the lot as the price of the parts is peanuts.

They did have a look at these and couldn't find any play in them.

[cheekal]

Check that the tool kit and spare release pole are correctly located in the storage area behind the side step! They've been known to rattle around inside loose and sound like the suspension!

Thanks will have a look at this

[helen&tony]

Hi
I would tend to look at the wishbones for the source of the clunk...The ball joint and the bushes don't always show immediate play unless you jack the vehicle up and lever around a bit with a large bar!....I have had several wishbones/ bushes/ ball joints droplinks and bushes go , and it's a subtle difference in the noise, but with the appalling roads over here, you get to be a bit of a connoisseur of suspension grumbles!
Cheers
Helen

[mikexgough]

Hi
I would tend to look at the wishbones for the source of the clunk...The ball joint and the bushes don't always show immediate play unless you jack the vehicle up and lever around a bit with a large bar!....I have had several wishbones/ bushes/ ball joints droplinks and bushes go , and it's a subtle difference in the noise, but with the appalling roads over here, you get to be a bit of a connoisseur of suspension grumbles!
Cheers
Helen

I agree.....but.... only if the bushes and brackets have been done first and there still is a clunking noise....

The jury is out on whether there is a decent enough replacement ball joint out there rather than the whole wishbone. I know of a Bongo with new replacement ball joints from a reputable Bongo Spares company we will see if they last.....the ones I took off mine were the factory originals as far as I can tell....so longevity of these items seems to be the order of the day as it is on most cars....it's the damn covers that are the issue..... As for covers.... Mazda do them as do Ohno now....

[helen&tony]

Hi
Mike...
Done both ball joints alone, AND wishbones...My thoughts, for what they're worth, are that the whole wishbone assembly is quite good value for money at £150.00 or thereabouts, as they last very well...however , the replacement rubber boots are a real boon. What always seems to perturb me is that people begrudge spending a few quid on mechanics, but spend thousands on accessories like conversions...surely, the basics come first?...
Must stock up on those rubber boots!.
Cheers
Helen

[Dodgey]

I just did my ball joints. 32 quid each off ebay. Time will tell.

To the OP. both sides were clunking on mine. One side was a ball joint the other was the drop link.

The arb bushes are really obvious. They are the plastic/rubber things that go round the anti roll bar in the two D brackets that are also the front jacking points. It's easy to check their condition at a glance.

[cheekal]

I just did my ball joints. 32 quid each off ebay. Time will tell.

To the OP. both sides were clunking on mine. One side was a ball joint the other was the drop link.

The arb bushes are really obvious. They are the plastic/rubber things that go round the anti roll bar in the two D brackets that are also the front jacking points. It's easy to check their condition at a glance.

How easy are they to change
Do you need to remove antiroll bar

[Dodgey]

Easy with the right tools, and no, you don't need to remove the ARB. Here is the low down:

To change front wishbone ball joints you need to:

1) Jack up the car and then support the chassis with an axle stand (I use 2 for safety) - you have to do this as the jacking point is actually a bracket you need to undo later.

2) Remove the wheel!

3) Undo the long bolt holding the wishbone to the chassis at the front end and remove it - you will likely need a breaker-bar for this (long socket wrench for leverage). Undo the two bolts holding the D bracket to the chassis that holds the other end of the wishbone to the chassis - again, you will need a breaker bar. I certainly did.

4) With a 27mm or 1 inch spanner, remove the castle nut on top of the wishbone ball joint - you have to remove a split pin 1st.

5) Spray the now exposed bolt where it goes into the brake assembly with Plus Gas or similar (releasing agent) and leave for half an hour or so.

6) Release the ball joint from the brake assembly by either hitting it hard with a lump hammer so the shock breaks it free (very lucky), or beat it with a ball joint separator. The Plus Gas is key here. Without it you may be bashing it for half an hour. With it, maybe 3 or 4 hits.

7) Now the whole lot (wishbone) will fall off.

Press out the old joint and press in the new one. This can be done with a vice apparently. I have a hydraulic press. A friendly garage should do this for you if you slip them a tenner. Takes a couple of minutes.

The key things you need are a breaker bar, plus gas, a 1" spanner (or 27-28mm) , and preferably, a press. Without the breaker bar and plus gas it's a nightmare of a job. With them, it's a doddle.

[Seagull]

Thanks for starting this thread as I have noticed much the same issue with my v6 Freda when going over bumps. It's still under warranty so I'm thinking of getting it checked out.

What's the long term risk of driving a vehicle with "clunking"?

[Seagull]

Thanks for starting this thread as I have noticed much the same issue with my v6 Freda when going over bumps. It's still under warranty so I'm thinking of getting it checked out.

What's the long term risk of driving a vehicle with "clunking"?