knock knock......whats there?

[xitekamelion]

Hey guys.

First of all thanks to all, after searching threads i was easily able to change the fuel pump today as the manual (max ellerys) does not say to disconect the internal breather hose, without this forums asststace im sure i would have snapped or bent something.

Anyway, when i purchased my 97 VS 6 months ago it had a slight knocking sound over bumps from the front left suspension, assuming it was a shock (all shot!) i left it till the new set up went in. I replaced the springs, shocks, struts, panard and link pins with a lowered pro ryder setup yet the knock still persists , it can get quite bad over couragations and bad roads betweer 40-60 KPH, can anyone let me know where to start looking?

[greenacc]

did you get new strut tops when the work was done ? The noise is more than likely a worn bush on the radius rod or control arm, or a worn tie rod end.

[clubby_you]

Sounds like a bearing plate i betting they wre not replaced when the struts were done

[burnz]

Mc pherson strut, check strut tower for worn rubber and or failed clear plastic seal,
the ajustment bolt in centre of tower will grow till a pimple is pressed into the bonnet.
the failed rubber is located underside of strut tower. (looks chrushed/split/destroyed)

[clubby_you]

Mc pherson strut, check strut tower for worn rubber and or failed clear plastic seal,
the ajustment bolt in centre of tower will grow till a pimple is pressed into the bonnet.
the failed rubber is located underside of strut tower. (looks chrushed/split/destroyed)

AKA bearing plate

[burnz]

AKA bearing plate

is that what they call them??
hence the long explanation. of previous post

[xitekamelion]

OK, so the strut top / bearing plate, is this visible with just removing the wheel or does the strut need to be removed for inspection? if this is the black rubber center surounded by the bolts that secure the strut from in the engin bay then Yes, they were replaced.
What is involved in replacing the control arm bushes, is a press required?

[burnz]

yes the black rubber centre (viewed under bonnet) surounded by the bolts that secure the strut.
then yes if "replaced" then sorry all out of info in this aspect.

[greenacc]

as for bushes, a press would be requried to install new rubber bushes to the inner control arms only. You can do both ends of the radius rod without a press but you will need a threaded rod and some suitable nuts and spacers to push / pull the bushes out and in.
There are 2 threads on this on here. 1 by dannyboyds and one by myself.
And a little tip fo ya, you don't need a press if you use polyurethane bushes cos they don't have steel casings.
If you hear a single loud thud ( maybe 1 from each side ) when braking hard its probably your bushes ..

[xitekamelion]

OK, I was sussing a few things out this morning and noticed that the small rubber disc at the top of the strut tower was loose (its about 3"round and held down by the center nut) is it posible that this nut can come loose? i have tried tightening it but only had limited tools at the time and felt extremely tight as it was. Should this rubber disc be able to spin around ? im begining to think they used my old strut tops!

[TheForgotten]

mine don't spin, but all that washer does is hold the strut in the correct position relative to the support plate. using the old strut tops is fine (locating washer/support plate). my suggestion is either bearing or bearing support is stuffed

[clubby_you]

If you want to a do a quick check jack it up and let it down while watching the bearing plate if it is moving more then a few mm up and down as you load it up it is stuffed