Bongo Fury

My bongo was knocking away a treat. It was hard to pin point where from. Driving it sounded like it was coming from around me, possibly under my seat, for the passenger it sounded a little further back. It happened most on bumpy roads, but it only really happened at slower speeds.

Searched the forum for "knocking". Loads of messages popped up suggesting it was quite likely drop links, as this was a common fault. So i splashed out and bought front and rear drop links and front and rear anti roll bar rubbers. Installed it all, which took about a morning because i had to chisel off one of the nuts on the front drop links. Went for a test drive .... knock knock knock.

By this point I am getting nervous that its something more serious. I've planning to live in it for 6 months next year around europe and I don't want to have to do a serious repair in darkest croatia.

I was driving along a bumpy road, knocking away and getting worried, when i decided to stick my ear against the window to try and help track down the exact location. Then it hit me what it was. It was the plastic end of the fully extended aerial knocking against the roof. The pivot at the bottom of the aerial is no longer strong enough to hold it up so it ends up falling back to the horizontal position where is movement knocks it against the roof.

The relief was overwhelming, so much so that I didn't even care that i had needlessly spent £60 on drop links and rubbers (slightly firmer ride now though).

So, with the benefit of hindsight, if you have a knocking bongo and it sounds like its coming from somewhere near the driver, first check its not your aerial flapping about against the roof.

Never mind, think of the mechanical experience you've gained.

A great tale byejason - I'll try and remember that next time I get a knocking sound in me Bongo

You may find that the arieal was replaced at some point and the small bearing is missing.
try and get a sharp knife and pop out the chrome and black plasitic cap and remove the arieal via the allen nut if it is missing it can be repalced with a 1eigth bearing from a cycle shop.
They are used for peddels and cost £1 for about 30 with the bearing in it holds a dream

i will check that although my noise seems to come from the middle near side,would be ace if it was that.

Well spotted jason!... If only all knocking sounds were so easily cured eh?

Heather? Have you checked the toolkit is securely in place?

Dont forget the long thin bar is clipped up above the toolkit cubby...could it have slipped out of one of the securing lugs and be tapping the inside of the plastic flap?

If the wheelchocks have been left out of their bag, they may have been "slung" to the rear of the cubby aperture,have a reach to the back and check that nothing is loose in there