Front End Knocking....again

[dbc]

Hi all, been investigating the front end knocking issue a lot of us seem to be getting. Just thought I'd post my findings.

I'm a reasonable competent DIY mechanic but also have family / friend who are decent mechanics.

 

Some time ago we ruled out the usual drop links or roll bar bushes.

Been waiting for the weather to improve before I tackled the rusted top nut of the shock mounting to have a look at the top of the strut. (What a sh1t design so that the top fills with water and really hard to access!!)

 

Anyway, took it all apart yesterday and nothing wrong with the strut moutning either!! Grrrrr

 

So I can only conclude that its actually the shock damping that has given up the ghost. Its not that obvious from bouncing the car up and down but there does seem to be a slight difference in how the shock settles from one side to the other.

 

Will replace this week and report back but I'm fairly convinced now that is what the issue is. I think cos of the weight of the car it only really shows when driving and is difficult to replicate on the drive.

 

Also notice the rear roll bar mounts have gone causing a lot of rattling which could easily be mistaken as a noise from the front as it sort of echos around the cabon, so will do those also.

 

Might help some one out who like me has been scratching their heads as to why the front end of the car sounds like its gonna fall off everytime you hit a minor bump!

 

PS Seems to have a lot of faults for a 60k MkII FSH!!!!

 

Drive shaft oil seals

Coolant leak from thermostat housing (took 6 week to get part)!

Rear roll bar bushes

Front shocks

A/C Compressor knackered

Rear washer pipe disconnected under passenger seat

Intermittent remote locking

Sudden poor fuel economy

Occasional rough idle on start up

Plus various other niggles

 

Shame as the vehicle type is perfect for what I need

 

Moan over! :16:

Edited May 16, 2010 by dbc

[daddyfixit]

Hi all, been investigating the front end knocking issue a lot of us seem to be getting. Just thought I'd post my findings.

I'm a reasonable competent DIY mechanic but also have family / friend who are decent mechanics.

 

Some time ago we ruled out the usual drop links or roll bar bushes.

Been waiting for the weather to improve before I tackled the rusted top nut of the shock mounting to have a look at the top of the strut. (What a sh1t design so that the top fills with water and really hard to access!!)

 

Anyway, took it all apart yesterday and nothing wrong with the strut moutning either!! Grrrrr

 

So I can only conclude that its actually the shock damping that has given up the ghost. Its not that obvious from bouncing the car up and down but there does seem to be a slight difference in how the shock settles from one side to the other.

 

Will replace this week and report back but I'm fairly convinced now that is what the issue is. I think cos of the weight of the car it only really shows when driving and is difficult to replicate on the drive.

 

Also notice the rear roll bar mounts have gone causing a lot of rattling which could easily be mistaken as a noise from the front as it sort of echos around the cabon, so will do those also.

 

Might help some one out who like me has been scratching their heads as to why the front end of the car sounds like its gonna fall off everytime you hit a minor bump!

 

PS Seems to have a lot of faults for a 60k MkII FSH!!!!

 

Drive shaft oil seals

Coolant leak from thermostat housing (took 6 week to get part)!

Rear roll bar bushes

Front shocks

A/C Compressor knackered

Rear washer pipe disconnected under passenger seat

Intermittent remote locking

Sudden poor fuel economy

Occasional rough idle on start up

Plus various other niggles

 

Shame as the vehicle type is perfect for what I need

 

Moan over! ;)

 

check the panel in front of the screen that mounts the washer jets, mine was loose and rattling against bonnet on uneven roads/speed bumps???? i also thought of droplinks or top strut mounts as well..........

[dbc]

check the panel in front of the screen that mounts the washer jets, mine was loose and rattling against bonnet on uneven roads/speed bumps???? i also thought of droplinks or top strut mounts as well..........

 

It was the shock in the end......new one's fitted, smooooooth now!

 

Ford got an offer on at the mo for shocks, got 25% discount although that was a 'trade' price.

 

Next up, Air Con! Compressors knackered,

[daddyfixit]

check the panel in front of the screen that mounts the washer jets, mine was loose and rattling against bonnet on uneven roads/speed bumps???? i also thought of droplinks or top strut mounts as well..........

 

It was the shock in the end......new one's fitted, smooooooth now!

 

Ford got an offer on at the mo for shocks, got 25% discount although that was a 'trade' price.

 

Next up, Air Con! Compressors knackered,