Knocking sound when going over bumpy roads

[irish_ram]

Hi All,

I am hoping this turns out to be nothing with the previous issue I had with my car but I have a knocking sound whenever I go over bumps or uneven roads. It initially started happening a few days ago and only when the drivers rear wheel went over bumps. It does now seem to be when any wheels goes over a bump or basically when the car is moving about. The sound however still seems to be coming from the drivers rear side around the boot. Also I have noticed today when turning the wheel going slow the car sometimes give like a creak noise as though something is cracking or snapping. The car once going drives totally fine and I do not see any issues so not sure what this is if anything.

It did all start happening when I was stuck in a multistorey car park a few days ago and kept having to break on downward hills and use handbrake etc if that helps.

Might sound stupid but one thing I have not done is check there is nothing  lose in the boot that is knocking about but I did the other day remove any lose heavy thing like tools etc so can only think if it is something knocking about in the boot it may be the spare tyre etc.

Any ideas on this appreciated as I know there is not enough info to diagnose but maybe some ideas on what back there it could be 

[doylebros]

My first move and double checking the back seat fixings are clicked in properly and boot items are where they should be.

Next would be to check your coil springs to see if any have snapped - cold weather and coil springs don't mix!

[irish_ram]

My first move and double checking the back seat fixings are clicked in properly and boot items are where they should be.

Next would be to check your coil springs to see if any have snapped - cold weather and coil springs don't mix!

Yeah good point, if I get a chance before it gets dark this week I am going to check in everywhere where the spare wheel is, will remove everything from the boot and check like you say all the seat fixings.

In terms of checking the coil springs I presume they are visible under the arch and can check easily that way with a torch?

[doylebros]

Torch is handy but feeling with your fingers for a crack or part missing is best.

[irish_ram]

Nice one, will do.

I am feeling another into the garage and AA Warranty claim coming but this one may not be as easy to claim as my initial issue I had 

I will check what I can this week but I am no expert

[samb377]

Had a similar issue and it was the ARB drop links (specifically play in the bushes). Jack the car up, grab them and give them a shake to see if they make a similar noise. It was the front ones for me, although prior to checking them I was convinced the noise was coming from the rear axle...

The OEM ones are pretty flimsy, although I think it's generally recommended that you just replace with OEM because the aftermarket ones can make noises / cause other issues, not that I've ever tried them.

If it is this, it's quite a cheap fix.

[irish_ram]

Had a similar issue and it was the ARB drop links (specifically play in the bushes). Jack the car up, grab them and give them a shake to see if they make a similar noise. It was the front ones for me, although prior to checking them I was convinced the noise was coming from the rear axle...

The OEM ones are pretty flimsy, although I think it's generally recommended that you just replace with OEM because the aftermarket ones can make noises / cause other issues, not that I've ever tried them.

If it is this, it's quite a cheap fix.

Cheers mate, How do I check this and where are they as I have not got a clue what an ARB drop link is sorry 

I am fully covered under my AA warranty and with the original issue I had where a new engine was placed in the car after only 3 months of having it, if there is an issue it is going straight back into the garage for them to cover the full repair even if over £1000 cover as 2 issues within 6 months is not right.

I have not managed to check anything as advised in posts earlier but today when driving it literally sounds like loads of little metal parts knocking against each other as I hit little bumps in the road. I pulled up the boot liner and double checked it was not something stupid like the jack or tools/bolts rattling around but it was not. Also I noticed today as I am doing a turn at slow speed a loud creaking/cracking noise happens now and again which sounds like it is coming from the front of the car.

I did go out and push the back of the car up and down while stationery but no noise at all, only seems to happen when driving.

I am convinced there is something lose and a problem on the car but strangely I have not felt any effects in the driving of the car in terms or accelerating or braking so I am baffled with such noises like metal clanking together and the creak noise when turning

[samb377]

Hmmm, that sounds pretty significant. Without hearing / looking at it I'm not sure what it is, however the suspension system would be a good place to start.

The links are fairly easy to spot, particularly if you take the wheel off. If you google images of 'arb drop link' you should get an idea of what to look for. If it is that noisy, it may be a more significant suspension component or the drop link could have snapped (I heard of a couple of cases).

To be honest, if you have the aa cover, it might be best to just take it to the garage. If the noise is obvious, they will find the problem.

[irish_ram]

So spoke to the garage this morning and explained the issues.

They said the metal clanking sound is likely a broken spring and the creaking/cranking sound when turning the wheel is likely the because of the load on the other springs.

They are checking what garage can fit me in to fix it but does anyone know if it is just a spring and nothing more what is the cost and ease of fixing. I will get my warranty to cover t however

[AbzGTI]

did you find out what it was?

[irish_ram]

did you find out what it was?

Yes it was a broken spring which got sorted and all was fine

[AbzGTI]