13 replies to this topic

[Beddo88]

Ok.. 88 Miny City E, standard, nothing new or shiny added as far as im aware, but im pretty much getting all of the above noises. It started as a noise that i only got in reverse on full lock left, now its getting worse and im getting a bit worried. Thought it could be bearings, but they seem fine and have only recently been replaced.
Could it be the suspension? How do i check? Also could it be the steering rack? Just re-read my MOT and i had an advisory on steeering bushes being worn. How do i go about checking those? And should a damper leak? :S Just been sacked so got a few spare days.. figured i'd play with the car in the meantime

Can anyone help? If theres other information needed just ask, Cheers!

[JohnGordon]

It is most probable for it to be something on the suspension, if the steering bushes are worn then jack it up and with a pry bar lift the wheel up and down (you will need a friend to look for any movement out of the norm.

also no a damper shouldn't leak this may be contributing but i doubt is the cause of the noise, can you tell where the noise is coming from? even a vague guess at the area?

Edited by JohnGordon, 28 August 2008 - 04:15 PM.

[Beddo88]

Well it started at the front left, i'd say i was 90% sure on that. But now its just kind of migrated to the whole front end of the car :S I'll try n get a few pics up, i think the bush might be worn on one of the tie rods, (i think its the bush anyway, not sure what its called, and i think its the tie rod.. still new to this!) and the damper is definately leaking something.

[JohnGordon]

well while you have it in pieces you must change that shocker! It's also advisable (although some people stupidly don't) to change both sides at the same time.

[pantera2075]

CV joint worn - almost definitely.

[Beddo88]

I was considering replacing whole suspension on the car, probably just for a new equivalent, but not sure 1. how much it would cost, and 2. how easy it is. Also not sure if it has be setup correctly? Or is it just a kind of plug and play type thing?

With the car at standard height, how much space should there be between the bump stops i'll call them and the metal? As mines got really rather little.. thinking possibly the cones gone to car heaven?

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by pry-bar the wheel up and down? I'm assuming u mean, with the car jacked on axle stands etc, getting a bar under the wheel, and lifting it thus moving the suspension? And checking for noises?

[Beddo88]

CV joint...? Going to need a little more than the name.. sorry im still very new to this! How do i check it?

[liirge]

For the Drive shaft. its the joint (there are 2 inboard and outboard), on the pipe like piece of metal that actually turn your wheels..they come out from teh Differential housing at the back of G\box.

[pantera2075]

In the centre of your front wheel hub there's a big nut. This is on a shaft that goes thru the front hub, then goes thru a joint (The CV joint that I mentioned) that allows your wheels to turn and the suspension to go up and down while still powering the wheels. This joint connects the hub to the driveshaft and then on to the gearbox.

If this joint is worn out you will get clicky crunchy noises when on lock. So, get a carpark and a friend. Drive slowly around in a circle on full lock while the friend walks slowly along next to each front wheel - this should highlight where the sound is coming from.

You'll probably find that the protectice rubber boot over the joint has cracked and let all of the grease out.

It's not a nice job to do yourself.

[Beddo88]

dam.. not a fan of that kind of talk. That kind of talk costs money Is there any way i can be certain that its the CV joint? Dont want to spend lots repairing it only to find that the noise is still there and would i be looking at replacing the whole thing or just the cover?

How dangerous is this likely to be? As in should i try to avoid driving?

Heres a pic of the shock. I'm guessing the shock shouldnt leak like that..

 DSC00067.JPG   1.35MB   5 downloads

And this must be the CV joint then?

 DSC00068.JPG   1.27MB   4 downloads

Thanks for everyone thats helped so far.. I suspect i'll be back on here soon with some other fun noises. Actually come to mention it, I also get a spring like sound when turning full lock, not sure if thats related or not?

[Beddo88]

I'm sceptical of the hour bit... i'm one of those people that tend to faff alot and spend ages getting nothing done. Where abouts did you get yours from? I'd rather have original than cheap n cheerful!!

Haha just re-read my MOT from xmas time.. turns out one of the failures my mate fixed was a split in the offside outer CV gaiter. So it may in fact be the right wheel. Hmm... I shall have to get a mate to have a look / listen.

[Beddo88]

I'm sceptical of the hour bit... i'm one of those people that tend to faff alot and spend ages getting nothing done. Where abouts did you get yours from? I'd rather have original than cheap n cheerful!!

Haha just re-read my MOT from xmas time.. turns out one of the failures my mate fixed was a split in the offside outer CV gaiter. So it may in fact be the right wheel. Hmm... I shall have to get a mate to have a look / listen.

[Beddo88]

Ok.. so to recap, how do i check that its the CV joint? And where's a good place for suspension?

[Beddo88]

Ok... so it seems most likely its the CV joint. Shall be replacing that during the week Thanks for the help!! I have no doubt i'll be back on here in no time!