Front end knocking

[niceguy]

Hi there,

I'm getting some knocking noise from the front end whenever I go over some uneven bumps at low speed. The vibration can also be felt through the steering wheel. Moreover, unlike some of the other posts that I have read, mine does still vibrate and knock during braking. But strangely, whenever I am turning left or right at low speed, the noise and vibration coming into the cabin simply disappear completely and cannot be felt.

I have done my searching here and there and it is leading me to the front anti-roll bar drop links or the control arms. But, since the last symptom of my car is slightly different to most posts I have read. Would any kind soul please point me in the right direction in how to tackle this problem.

The Geo is completely fine and all 4 tires are wearing very evenly with the inner sides wearing a tiny bit more.

Many thanks

Edited March 2, 2012 by niceguy

[kosmo96]

I had a similar issue and it was the front sway bar. It just needed to be retorqued. Very simple and quick.

[niceguy]

Thanks kosmo96 for your sharing. Was it the sway bar drop link that you had to tightened? or was there something else?

[EleCTriCT]

The front sway bar end links often wear out....

If you lift up the car you can grab the end of the sway bar and force it up and down with your hand... If you can feel movement / clicking you end link is most likely worn out..

Cheers.

[niceguy]

Thanks for all the advice!! I am quite certain the drop links are the culprit of the noise and possibly the lower wishbones making the v light creaking noise.

Has anyone tried the K sport drop links? Oh yes, and they are adjustable too. Will they last better than the stock's thin and skinny drop links? I am on fully stock suspension.

Link to these end links

http://www.ksportusa.com/asp/endlink...roduct_id=el01

[fly2low2]

http://www.tarett.com/

I used thes with good sucess

well made

[niceguy]

Thanks fly2low2 for your recommendation. I have also read a few positive reviews on tarett drop links. But, I'm just find them a little pricey for my car especially when only have stock suspension on it. Would the TRW be fine for another year or two?

[fly2low2]

no personal experience with TRW

sorry

[EleCTriCT]

TRW as far as i know is a standard OEM and aftermarket parts company. They are often used at my place of work..

Should be fine for a general replacement part.

Cheers

[niceguy]

Thanks EleCTriCT for your information.My local indy told me that the stock Porsche drop links have a flaw and therefore, the clonking noise will come back after a year or so even when new units are replaced. That's why I asked if the TGW units are better. As soon as I am driving with the steering wheel turning, all the clonking noises are gone. Does that mean it has to be the drop links that are making the noise on my tt?

Cheers

[AMTRAK]

The TRG units and the Tarret units are the choice of most of the track guys I talk to. My stock versions are about to be replaced as they are failing as well. Likely accelerated D2 larger than stock sway bars.

[tphss]

After how many miles did the end link for the sway bar have to be replaced on your cars?

Niceguy, how many miles are on your car?

[niceguy]

Hi tphss,

My car has done 37500 miles. The noise from the drop links started from early 30000 miles.

Now, I have a choice to replace them with the TRW drop links but my local indy said the noise will come back quite soon due to a design fault. Yet, the drop link are still 100% functioning perfectly with only some undesirable noises.

[niceguy]

Having replaced both front sway bar drop links with the TRW units, the knocking and vibration felt through the steering wheel is now completely gone. I am happy to report that with around 30-40k miles these units can fail and I did find some vertical play in the bushings.

[Loren]

Check the upper strut mounts for wear or looseness.