Knocking struts or CV-joints? | |
Our 2006 SC with 220.000kms has had a suspension knock for years. I have for 3 times had it on a four-post with test equipment for loose joints and there is none. I have also been under the car with a stethoscope to try to find where the sound comes from. The MOT man where I had the car now in march had it down to one of two:
Sloppy strut/damper
Loose CV joint
Symptoms are like this:
Loud knocking when changing drive from FWD to RWD. If I put my left foot firm on the brake and give some throttle, then alternate between D and R there are several loud knocks from both sides each time. The car is not moving up and down.
The same knocking sound from both sides is heard each time I brake
Low speed there are knocking in potholes etc
Some vibration from side to side in steering wheel when braking slightly (recently started)
No vibration or sounds when turning
What we have checked:
Caliper bolts (firm)
New Brembo brake pads (no change)
New RH lower suspension arm (no change)
Top mount (no/little movement)
All joints checked several times by professionals (no knocking found)
We changed the outer CV joints some years ago, I have checked the torque on the driveshaft nut and it was tight
The car was pushed back and forth on the four-post in P and the knocking was loud but no one could pinpoint it
All suspension parts on the front have been changed after we bought the car except the anti roll bar bushes.
I read yesterday about problems with Dunlop struts so I checked and our car has struts marked BWI and and dated 14.12.10 (so clearly changed at one point)
I feel it could be CV joints, but earlier experience tell me they would make sound when turning. Also, when moving the gear from D and R I feel the knocking should probably be more instant. As it is, some power is needed to make the sound appear. Also, I can undestand a loose strut giving vibration when braking, but not a loose CV joint.
I was expecting to see a Dunlop sticker on the strut, but from what I have read BWI is OEM quality and I have not read about them knocking?
Any help is greatly appreciated! I have been thinking I can remove front driveshaft to see if the sound disappears but I would rather not do it. 2006 Supercharged
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