7 replies to this topic

[rubdub]

Hey guys,

 

So my 98 mpi has a knock in the front passenger side when on uneven roads bumps etc and a shudder in the wheel when braking from about 40-50mph. It has hilos fitted.

 

one friend thinks it could be the track rod ends while another thinks it could be the steering rack. Going to jack it up later today but wondering is there any other places I should be looking?

 

Thanks! 

Edited by rubdub, 15 January 2017 - 09:31 AM.

[RedRuby]

Check the following, wheel bearing, ball joints, knuckle joint,track rod ends, constant velocity joint and shock absorber bushes. My initial thoughts would be wheel bearing

[rubdub]

Ok thanks! You can also feel the knocking under the passenger footwell while driving. If that gives any more clues! 

[nicklouse]

As above. And do not drive your car.

[jamesmpi]

Could it be the bush where the subframe bolts the bulkhead?

[Alice Dooper]

Don't forget to check that the brake disc isn't loose from the hub.

[rubdub]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Had a look at it yesterday, the ball joints seem grand, and there is no play in the wheel itself so am hoping that means the bearings are ok. There seems to be a warp in the front disk which would probably explain the shuddering whilst braking. The steering rack did seem to make a noise when I turned the hub from left to right. Never check the U bolts, but have a feeling the steering rack is the culprit. 

[tiger99]

It could be the rack but is FAR more likely to be the subframe mount. They ALWAYS have a depressingly short life, and failure is not always easily visible. Usually the rubber de-bonds from the metal, but under zero load when the car is stationary the gap will seem to be closed. Under acceleration it opens, and under braking it slams closed again. I have also seen one where the metal had broken. It was very much thicker than the loading conditions require, and being mild steel it should not have been fatigue, so I don't know why it happened.

 

The good news is that a new pair of mounts is cheaper than a steering rack. That is, if you intend to keep the rubber mounts and not go for a full solid mount conversion to improve the handling.