Front Suspension Noises ?

[citrophile]

I am getting clunks and rattles which appear to come from the front when I drive along relatively smooth roads at low speeds (20-30mph).

 

I have checked all the suspension ball joints, steering etc and they all feel tight and not loose at all.

 

Is it possible that it is the tops of the front suspension struts or maybe something else. I'm a bit worried as the MOT is due in Feb.

 

Don't know what else to check.

 

Rob

 

[Parkesie]

Give everything a good shake. Could be any of the things youve mentioned. Also check the condition of the engine bottom pulley some have rubber damper built into the centre that fails and causes intermittent rattles and knocks.

[paul.h]

Could also be the front brake pads, we had a recent post on this. If the rubber backing is missing this can lead to a rattle. On our C3 a knocking was a front tie rod, given as an advisory at the MOT but when removed the joints on it were well worn.

 

Edit 3/2/2014 - meant drop link, not tie rod.

[qman3428]

Probably the drop links (was on mine) I found them difficult to diagnose as the play is only there at specific loads on the wheels. i.e not with the wheel on the ground and not with the wheel in the air.

Found it by jacking up the car, Taking off the wheel and putting it under the disk then lowering the car on to it while levering the ball joints on the drop link. In mid range it became obvious, New ones from Fleabay where £18.00 and while it is a DIY job you will need a good tool set.

[coastline taxis]

To check the drop links put suspension on full then raise both front wheels of the ground. Then put a bar onto the antiroll bar and the chassis then just push down youl soon feel any free play

[citrophile]

Thanks All
Fitted a couple of new anti-roll bar drop links and all my strange noises have gone away.....yay..!!
Looking at the old ones they were very knackered. So much movement in ball joints it probably wouldn't have been that long before they popped out.
Actually dead easy to do as well, not something you often say about the C5! All done, both sides in an hour.
Rob

[dcba12290]

Hi Rob I had exactly the same with a C4 and that was the drop links  

[Howiec]

Hi, I have the same problem with my C5 and I'm about to change the drop links, just wondered if anyone noticed if the car felt like it was stepping out at the rear when cornering and going over small bumps in the road.  The problem is getting worse as the rattling does, just thought they might be related.

 

Thanks Howard

[paul.h]

I replaced the drop links on a C3 but apart from the noise did not notice anything else.

[citrophile]

Hi Howard

Would be also worth checking the lower ball joints too as just did mine as they were clunking badly and it did affect the cornering, bit like sudden oversteer feeling like back end stepping out.

Once done, no clunking and much sharper feel from front end. Mind you, the ball joints were absolutely knackered, so not surprising.

Check for worn bushes on the rear suspension arms too as I think they can be a problem on C5's too.

Rob

[Howiec]

Thanks all for the advice, Howard