Suspension clunk

Rockhopper

Rockhopper

Senior member
 Mansfield
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?
 
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?
 
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..)
 
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.
 
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:
 
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?
 
Rockhopper said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
Yep, i checked the braces yesterday. I'll get underneath in a bit and check the lollipops and report back :-)
 
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.
 
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.
 
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!
 
Rockhopper said:
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!
Click to expand...
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:
 
I got about ten degrees of turn on one of them! So hardly anything but obviously enough :-) Yes, lollipops was a new one on me:-)
 
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