12 replies to this topic

[thesnuffster]

Hi Guys
Clubman Estate
Standard suspension
New rear shocks

Just had MOT and 30 mm of play in rear passenger side suspension before shock starts to compress. Have been recomended to replace Knuckle joint. As no play in other side should I replace both sides?

[R1minimagic]

Why would the play be so large and be related to the knuckle joint?

I think you mean before the rubber donut starts to compress, in which case it could be the knuckle joint, it could be very compressed rubber donut, subframe damage/corrosion, nylon cup worn through etc

Edited by R1minimagic, 22 January 2013 - 05:48 PM.

[Wise Old Elf]

Sounds like radius arm play? I have never had an MOT pick up a worn knuckle.

[thesnuffster]

Play only came to light when suspension was hanging down and no play at all on other side and as shocks are new and all other components seemed to be in good order MOT man(old and wise) suggested worn Knuckle or joint.

[thesnuffster]

Also trumpet and spring did not move

[R1minimagic]

I think i know what you mean now!

As above, could be a number of things, time to start measuring side to side, if the alloy trumpets and donuts are the same length and your subby isnt knackered then it is more likely the knuckle joint or nylon cup is worn

[Wise Old Elf]

Play only came to light when suspension was hanging down and no play at all on other side and as shocks are new and all other components seemed to be in good order MOT man(old and wise) suggested worn Knuckle or joint.

http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/topic/200237-rear-knuckle-joints/

A few symptoms of worn knuckles on here.

[tiger99]

If in doubt, replace both knuckles, which are cheap, before the expensive radius arms are damaged if the ball wears through the cup.

[03jkirk]

i m not sure if it is the knuckle joints that are worn but i think it would be wise to replace both if u replace any, as its not best practice to replace components on just 1 side of a suspention or brake set up, so is always best practise to replace both sides at same time

Edited by 03jkirk, 22 January 2013 - 06:20 PM.

[R1minimagic]

Thats assuming it is the knuckles, which hasnt been ascertained yet!

[thesnuffster]

Thanks I had read that post(v.Good) but my Question still stands should i change both to make sure the suspension remains even?

[thesnuffster]

Ignore last post will be changing both
Thanks for all your advice!

[R1minimagic]

Ascertain the problem first, no point changing something that isn't a problem (although most likely is)