Steering column knock noise- New required?

[9designs]

Seems I may need a new 2 grand plus steering column assembly !!!!!!

I get a clonk clonk noise when going over bumps or, even parking speed. Sounds central/bulk head area.
Car has new bushes, top mounts and damper etc, so suspension has been pretty much ruled out now.

I adjusted reach and rake fully in opposite direction and that seemed to nearly stop it. put it back and it's better but i think returning.

Are there bearing that fail or can be replaced? Anyone doing this type of work?

How long does it take to remove the column, thinking to get one from car breakers and swap over.

 

[bladeowner]

It's not the strut brace is it as they apparently can clunk if loose? Even if they appear tight..

 

[9designs]

They appear solid and the local specialist has also looked at the car to check it over, can't find any other issues. So seems to be some joints or bearings in the steering. It works fine, no error lights/codes etc.

 

[firebobby]

I had a clunk from the same area and it was the strut brace, I tried it with a spanner and it was tight, I then got a socket on it and the nuts all did up a bit more...no more clunking. Just be careful not to pull them to hard though.
If this doesn't work, undo the cover under the column and put your head down there and see if you can see any movement while the wheel is turned.
How many miles has your car done ?

 

[9designs]

Only done 50K miles... Turning the steering wheel stationary doesn't make a noise, only when a wheel gets jolted etc. Does sound like something is loose and knocking, or a bearing gone ?

 

[firebobby]

If it was a joint or bearing, I would have thought that it would knock when stationary. Have you tried to tighten the nuts on the brace bars under the bonnet, as I said, mine were tight but just a nip up sorted my problem.
At that mileage, I can't that the column would be worn out.

 

[bladeowner]

If it was a joint or bearing, I would have thought that it would knock when stationary. Have you tried to tighten the nuts on the brace bars under the bonnet, as I said, mine were tight but just a nip up sorted my problem.
At that mileage, I can't that the column would be worn out.

+1

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Ali undertray can also cause knocking if the bolts have not been replaced properly. Torque + angle for both the struts and the undertray.

 

[mr wilks]

If as mentioned above its 100% not the strut bolts that need tightening & bearing in mind its happening at car park / bump speeds its worth raising the front slightly (keep tyre grounded) , then grab wheel at 3 & 9 & shake to feel or listen for any play on control arms

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Having had work done on the suspension makes me suspicious that the undertray may not have been fastened correctly. I had knocking when a bolt was missing.