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Suspension clunk

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Rockhopper
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Suspension clunk

Post by Rockhopper » Fri Jul 16, 2021 2:59 pm

2005 E85 3.0i.

Its got new bottom arms (two months ago), new drop links, struts, springs and top mounts.

It now drives beautifully but is got a really bad knock from the front, both sides i think, seems to only happen when one wheel hits a bump, like when going over those precast speed bump things. The knock was there after the bottom arms were changed and seems better after the struts were done yesterday (but not gone).

The only thing left to change is the anti roll bar bushes?

Any ideas?

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Suspension clunk

Post by enuff_zed » Fri Jul 16, 2021 3:06 pm

Just checking, when the bottom arms were done, did that include the 'lollipops' that they slot into?

Also, are you saying it only started after the bottom arms were changed?
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Rockhopper
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Suspension clunk

Post by Rockhopper » Fri Jul 16, 2021 3:12 pm

Hmm, that occurred to me. I don't know exactly what was changed, the garage that did the MOT for me changed them. The only list bottom arms on the invoice. But yes, it did seem to start soon after they were changed. (the struts etc were planned to be changed anyhow as they had zero damping left yet they passed the MOT..)

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Suspension clunk

Post by enuff_zed » Fri Jul 16, 2021 3:44 pm

Well I'd check on the lollipops then. Wifey's did exactly that and it was them worn out.
If they weren't changed then fitting new bottom arms could actually put more stress on them as they're now the weakest point.
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Suspension clunk

Post by nick_l » Fri Jul 16, 2021 4:38 pm

Definitely check your lollypops. I had a simllar clunking noise. Mainly when reversing on full lock. Couldn’t find what it was…until one day on the M3 at 70+mph my lollipop failed and tried to kill me :rofl:

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Suspension clunk

Post by Rockhopper » Fri Jul 16, 2021 5:01 pm

Okay so lollipops it is then! Two more questions:

Are they easy enough to change?

OEM seem quite expensive but there are lots of cheaper options out there. Anything recommended?

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Suspension clunk

Post by enuff_zed » Fri Jul 16, 2021 6:13 pm

Rockhopper wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 5:01 pm Okay so lollipops it is then! Two more questions:

Are they easy enough to change?

OEM seem quite expensive but there are lots of cheaper options out there. Anything recommended?
assuming they weren't changed then yes.
I got mine done with the lower arms, so cannot advice on ease of changing.
You could do with an alignment check afterwards too, as if they are shot then the whole wheel assembly may have been pushed a bit too far back.
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Suspension clunk

Post by BumpyZ4 » Fri Jul 16, 2021 7:24 pm

It could be the upper strut mounts depending on what brand they used.
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Rockhopper
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Suspension clunk

Post by Rockhopper » Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:57 pm

Brand new ones, only two days old. It was clunking before they went on.

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Suspension clunk

Post by Dark Diggler » Sat Jul 17, 2021 8:35 am

Worth checking the strut braces too, particularly at the bulkhead,

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Suspension clunk

Post by Rockhopper » Sat Jul 17, 2021 8:40 am

Yep, i checked the braces yesterday. I'll get underneath in a bit and check the lollipops and report back :-)

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Suspension clunk

Post by Rockhopper » Sat Jul 17, 2021 10:58 am

Hmm, just had a look and the lollipops look new. The plot thickens. Think I'll need to get it booked in as I've run out of ideas.

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Suspension clunk

Post by enuff_zed » Sat Jul 17, 2021 4:46 pm

That's annoying.
But if there was no clunk until they changed the lower wishbones then something has been introduced.
Get them to double check their work. All bolts tight. Right sized bushes etc.
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Suspension clunk

Post by Rockhopper » Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:02 pm

Well it seems that the act of checking the brace bolts were tight was enough as its been quiet as a church mouse ever since!

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Suspension clunk

Post by enuff_zed » Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:18 pm

Rockhopper wrote: Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:02 pm Well it seems that the act of checking the brace bolts were tight was enough as its been quiet as a church mouse ever since!
So you got a bit of a turn on them then?
Cheap and easy fix, and as a bonus you learned what the lollipops are. :wink:
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