Bar hanging loose/squeaking noise?

1. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

   #1 3rd April 2010, 14:46

   Alright guys,
   
   Been hearing a squeaking noise coming from the front of the car, I had a look at the driver side and there seems to be a bar hanging down as I look over the left side of the driver wheel, checked the passenger side and all seems fine.
   
   Any ideas?
   
   Cheers.
2. gaz4399 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2007 Chester Posts: 2850 1275 mini

   #2 3rd April 2010, 14:48

   based on your descripion, sounds like your drop link has failed on the bottom joint and is now hanging freely
   
   they are cheap and easy to replace if it is that

   1 user thanked this post: Micky_Westy
3. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

   #3 3rd April 2010, 14:49

   Hmmm, I have to do quite a long drive later and all the garages are shut, think it's safe to still drive?
4. gaz4399 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2007 Chester Posts: 2850 1275 mini

   #4 3rd April 2010, 14:51

   mine was off hanging down for a week and had no issues but i may have been lucky. at the end of the day a 10inch metal bar hanging down could cause a lot of damage as it is situated near the brakes, drivshaft, abs sensor (if you have abs) and the wheel

   1 user thanked this post: Micky_Westy
5. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

   #5 3rd April 2010, 14:54

   No ABS (VTR)
   
   I could run out and get a pic if that would help?
6. gaz4399 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2007 Chester Posts: 2850 1275 mini

   #6 3rd April 2010, 14:55

   yes get a pic, if it is the drop link then you can unbolt the top and run no arb untill you get a new link, that would be much safer than leaving it hanging
7. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

   #7 3rd April 2010, 14:56

   Ok, gimme 5 mins
8. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

   #8 3rd April 2010, 15:05

   
9. gaz4399 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2007 Chester Posts: 2850 1275 mini

   #9 3rd April 2010, 15:07

   erm, wheres the bit thats hanging?
10. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

    #10 3rd April 2010, 15:11

    The end of the bar that is in the centre of the pic, I checked the other side and it was all tucked up, and then slanting down towards the driver side.
11. gaz4399 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2007 Chester Posts: 2850 1275 mini

    #11 3rd April 2010, 15:13

    not sure what that is tbh, it isnt the droplink though. probably something to do with the rack
    
    doesnt look to be anything wrong from the pics but i cant remember exactly what it looks like on my car
12. user_35337 Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast

    #12 3rd April 2010, 15:16

    Does the car pull to one side as that looks to me like a track rod end has come loose?
13. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

    #13 3rd April 2010, 15:16

    Argh, I'll get it checked later on today maybe.
    
    Thanks for your help.
14. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

    #14 3rd April 2010, 15:17

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by saxojh Does the car pull to one side as that looks to me like a track rod end has come loose?

    Nope, drives ok, just there's a loud ish squeaking/rubbing noise every few seconds
15. user_35337 Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast

    #15 3rd April 2010, 15:18

    Dont know then as i said though im pretty sure its the track rod end. Il have a look on mine and see whats what.
16. gaz4399 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2007 Chester Posts: 2850 1275 mini

    #16 3rd April 2010, 15:18

    i wouldnt let something worry you too much if one side is different to another as its like that with a lot of cars etc, as long as it isnt loose and theres no play in steering etc, suspension etc
    
    you squeeking you mentionned could just be a dry bush on the arb or wishbone btw
17. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

    #17 3rd April 2010, 15:21

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by gaz4399 i wouldnt let something worry you too much if one side is different to another as its like that with a lot of cars etc, as long as it isnt loose and theres no play in steering etc, suspension etc you squeeking you mentionned could just be a dry bush on the arb or wishbone btw

    I know the driver side drop link needs done at some point, as it was making a knocking noise, but now this is a different noise.
    
    It just passed the MOT yesterday too, surprised they never picked up on that.
18. user_35337 Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast

    #18 3rd April 2010, 15:24

    If its the bit im thinking about then on the other side it looks completly diffreny which may be why you think somethings out of place. As said the squeak could just be a bush somewhere. If grit gets into a bush it squeaks like mad.
19. Micky_Westy Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 100

    #19 3rd April 2010, 15:29

    yeah just had a talk with a couple of people, that bar is meant to sit different to the passenger side apparently.
    
    I'll maybe get a mate to look at the car after.
    
    Thanks peeps.