Front End Issues

[Ska]

Hi All was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction; I've got a '97 2.3 Ghia x (manual). The cars developed a kind of a metalic rattle from underneath whenever it goes over bumps etc. sounds like a metal cage being rattled. I also have a clunking noise when I lift off from a cruising I thought this may been the new brakes but have read on the forum that it could be this engine stabiliser; where is this component and is it easy to do DIY? Also the steering feels wierd in that it quite easily tram lines and requires a lot of input to get it turn; from my Mot it was advised that there was some play in the steering am I right in assuming that the only place there can be play is at either tie rod ends or the Universal joint on the steering column?

+ where do most folk source their parts from, I'm based in west London BTW

Any help much appreciated

[Sher]

If I am not mistaken the 2.3 has the same or similar half shafts that the mark2 1.9TDi galaxy has.

 

If that case it could be a similar problem mentioned here with the offside halfshaft and the output shaft from the gearbox.

 

http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.ph...=62&t=13669

 

The problem did not cause my Galaxy to fail its MOT.

[maroontdi]

Hi, Ska. I've just joined up myself having had a similar noise problem. This may be coincidence but a service report I've just had has suggested my exhaust is coming apart. Have you eliminated this? I'll be nosing around for any info on the job so if it does turn out to be an issue for you then I'll catch up with you again.

[28vr6]

I concur with maroontdi, as I had an irritating rattle which by accident I found to be the Cat conv heatshield - the rear mounting straps had broken the weld and resonated at certain RPM then disappeared if idling. Fixed with one BIG jubilee clip strapped round whole lot

[Ska]

Thanks for the reply guys; that rattle noise only happens when you hit a pot hole or speed bump with conciderable force though; I hadn't thought to look at the exhaust despit the back box looking a little tiered, because I know I have something very wrong with the suspension/steering which just feels all loose if you know what I mean. when you hit a pot hole you can feel the play through the steering as it wobbles and the car tram lines. I'm not sure if its the drive shaft either as the syptoms don't seem to be right for that. I'm assuming the spline goes on the ends which will proly make a grinding noise and you'll loose drive or the cv joints are Knackered but these make a clicking noise as I've experienced on my old Granada. I will defo look at the exhaust as you've mentioned but will porly replace the TRE/lower wishbone and the get it aligned as the steering wheel is about 10 degrees of centre when driving straight after a new tie rod end recently. Although I don't think the new tie rod end is the cause for the steering feeling spongy, so I'm thinking it may be the UJ on the steering column.

Having said about all the probs I've got to say that this thing is damned quick for an MPV and surprises the hell out of many - shed loads of torque!

So the general consensus on parts is to buy from the dealer? I'm based in west london and all the ford Motor factos seemed to have disapeared?!

Edited July 19, 2007 by Ska

[seatkid]

Anti Roll Bar Links

[Ska]

ARB

Has any one got a pic/diagram with the part numbers etc please?

[NikpV]

second item in the faq gives this picture :angry2:

 

 

but no part numbers :P