Sounds like front end loose, about to fall off.

[enzed4]

When driving slowly it feels a bit like driving over cobblestones, there's clunking and a 'loose' feel from the front of the car. I can feel it through the pedals and can hear it as well. It sounds like something large is loose.
Could it be engine mount bolts?
I've checked the strut braces and they seem tight (and there's no way they could be making that much noise).
Before I take it to the garage, any ideas what this might be?
Edit - could it be one of the Bilstein shocks? I would have thought they would have been inspected as part of the compliance checks after importing, but what would I know?
Thanks.

[Crazy Harry]

Wheel nuts? I'd start by jacking a front corner; taking a good grip of the road wheel then shaking it to feel for any play!

Good luck

[enzed4]

Wheel nuts? I'd start by jacking a front corner; taking a good grip of the road wheel then shaking it to feel for any play!

Good luck

I've just fitted different wheels so can guarantee it's not the bolts (and it was doing it with the old wheels as well).
I'm guessing the aftermarket shocks at this stage?

Thanks for the suggestion though.

[-Tom-]

drop links .. they can sound awful when they go.

[clarker63]

drop links .. they can sound awful when they go.

+1 for this (if you know what they are !)

nice and cheap (usually), and not terminal, which I guess you are concerned about having just bought it!

[Busterboo]

You're a Senior Member, NZ4, with 1900+ posts over more than 4 years, and you think your front end is "loose" and "about to fall off" ...

[Machine monkey]

Check the nuts on the strut fire wall brace too.

[enzed4]

You're a Senior Member, NZ4, with 1900+ posts over more than 4 years, and you think your front end is "loose" and "about to fall off" ...

I'm a Telecommunications engineer, not a car mechanic. Ask me about erlangs or SIP headers, 802.11n Guard Intervals, or why -67dBm is optimal for VoIP. Don't ask me to describe a clunking noise coming from the car more technically
And all 1900+ posts means is that I can blow hot air with the best of them....

[enzed4]

The car's booked into the garage tomorrow morning - I'll update this thread with the diagnosis.
And a free chocolate fish to anyone who has guessed correctly

[ph001]

Anti-roll bar drop links
Track rod ends
Bottom ball joint
Wheel bearing
Front wishbone bush
Strut top mount


...are multiple answers allowed?

[Busterboo]

You're a Senior Member, NZ4, with 1900+ posts over more than 4 years, and you think your front end is "loose" and "about to fall off" ...

I'm a Telecommunications engineer, not a car mechanic. Ask me about erlangs or SIP headers, 802.11n Guard Intervals, or why -67dBm is optimal for VoIP. Don't ask me to describe a clunking noise coming from the car more technically
And all 1900+ posts means is that I can blow hot air with the best of them....

Well said.

[weegeoff]

I was going to ask you to fix our phone, But I see there is a bit of traveling involved.

[enzed4]

Anti-roll bar drop links
Track rod ends
Bottom ball joint
Wheel bearing
Front wishbone bush
Strut top mount


...are multiple answers allowed?

You really want that choc fish, don't you?
Here, maybe this will keep you going until we find out:

chocfish.JPG (27.59 KiB) Viewed 1423 times

[Smartbear]

You're a Senior Member, NZ4, with 1900+ posts over more than 4 years, and you think your front end is "loose" and "about to fall off" ...

I'm a Telecommunications engineer, not a car mechanic. Ask me about erlangs or SIP headers, 802.11n Guard Intervals, or why -67dBm is optimal for VoIP. Don't ask me to describe a clunking noise coming from the car more technically
And all 1900+ posts means is that I can blow hot air with the best of them....

I used to work in comms in a previous life installing digital switches (Ericsson & gec) cabling to mdf etc.
After a while i moved to working on the power plants/back up batteries, including extension cabinets on working exchanges.
Interesting times
Rob

[enzed4]

Strut top mount


...are multiple answers allowed?

Looks like this might have been it. The garage said they tightened the strut mounts (left hand side) and the clunking has disappeared. I've only driven it around the block (the garage is very close to work), and it seems a lot better. Will reserve judgement until I've had some more time to drive it, but fingers crossed.
I got them to do a wheel alignment while they had it, as part of a voucher I had. They didn't provide any before/after readings so I have no idea if the ride will be any better, but I thought I'd better get it done as I've just fitted the 224's.

PM me your address ph001 and I'll send the fish . Or you can enjoy the virtual one I posted earlier. I'm a man of my word...