Manifold Bolts and Lower Strut Brace

1. VTS_16v_Boy Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2006 Dartford Kent Posts: 5251 Pug 1007 HDi Sport (daily) / Abarth 500

   #1 18th October 2007, 11:27

   Bit of a starnge one this,
   
   Has anybody every had any problems with the two spring bolts where the manifold ie aftermarket, hits/touchs their lower strut brace?
   
   Ive got a strange clunking sound coming from the front of the car and Ive had all my suspension checked including my poly bushes and they are fine, now the bolts on the manifold where it meets the beginning of the system look very close to the OMP lower strut brace.
   
   Has any every had this problem?
   
   The manifold in question is a Piper 4-1 on a Phase2 S
2. saunders Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: May 2006 Kent Posts: 3669 Fiat Seicento, MK2 Furio 2000 X, Pug 206

   #2 18th October 2007, 11:31

   Are you sure its not the exhaust system hanger hitting the underneath? as mine is very close, and sometimes touches on starting up the car. Im fitting new exhaust mounts to fix this, but it did sound like it was coming from the lower brace, but it was definatly the exhaust mount.
   Also there is more flexability in the exhaust system further up, and remember that the manifold is mounted to a fixed point, so not that much flexability is given near the front.
   
   Just double check the clearances
3. VTS_16v_Boy Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2006 Dartford Kent Posts: 5251 Pug 1007 HDi Sport (daily) / Abarth 500

   #3 18th October 2007, 12:53

   There doesnt seem to be much if any play in the exhaust system but I will get it checked.
   
   Its strange it def sounds like a suspension problem at the front but Im told no.
4. Karl Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Apr 2006 Ashford Posts: 25611 LY R26

   #4 18th October 2007, 12:59

   Might find its the free running bolt thing on the Piper (flange free running)
   knocking on your strut brace as obviously itll move a little over bumps/when revving?
5. VTS_16v_Boy Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2006 Dartford Kent Posts: 5251 Pug 1007 HDi Sport (daily) / Abarth 500

   #5 18th October 2007, 13:06

   Ive looked at the bolts and by turning them round I think it might solve the problem but I havent had time to get under the car.
   
   I might get a second view from a exhaust shop while Im out - Strickly NO Kwik-fit or Hi-Q lol
6. Ryanp Super Moderator Joined: Feb 2004 Tonbridge United Kingdom (England) Posts: 38236 Vtr, 172, throttle bodied track slut

   #6 18th October 2007, 14:10

   quite common for the exhaust/fannymould to hit the brace
7. VTS_16v_Boy Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2006 Dartford Kent Posts: 5251 Pug 1007 HDi Sport (daily) / Abarth 500

   #7 18th October 2007, 15:08

   At least I know its not just mine, solving the problem Ryan? whats best turnin the bolts round the other way? using shorter bolts?
   
   Rather not remove the strut brace as it helps protect my manifold from big bumps aswell as improving handling.
8. Ryanp Super Moderator Joined: Feb 2004 Tonbridge United Kingdom (England) Posts: 38236 Vtr, 172, throttle bodied track slut

   #8 18th October 2007, 15:58

   some people when the fannymould touched the sturt just wanged some manifod wrap as padding.