Important! : Wobbly Wheel

1. MickyWelsh172 Established Member Joined: May 2010 Sunderland Posts: 1966 Clio Sport 172

   #1 29th July 2011, 22:12

   Hi, after changing the drop links because they were shot, im still noticing the knocking noise what was there originally, but now im more worried.
   
   When i am turning, mainly right, and accelerating at the same time, say in 1st or 2nd gear, when the wheel is returning the centre, it wobbles like mad sometimes, for about 3-4 seconds, then gets itself together.
   
   Ive checked that the wheel bolts are tight, but gonna jack it up tomorrow and double check the bearings.
   
   Question is, what else should i be checking for after i get the wheel off, bearing in mind im a total noob with anything mechanical?
   
   Ive been told it could be the springs are damaged/cracked causing the knocking and clunking? Could this be right?
   
   Thanks in advance,
   Mick
2. user_36974 Frequent Poster Joined: Aug 2009 Manchester Posts: 570 Mercury Grey VT?

   #2 29th July 2011, 22:23

   jack it up and hold the top and bottom of the wheel and try and rock it to to see if theres any play in wheel bearing
3. MickyWelsh172 Established Member Joined: May 2010 Sunderland Posts: 1966 Clio Sport 172

   #3 29th July 2011, 22:25

   I had done that with the passenger side wheel, but cant remember if i checked drivers side.
   
   Well im definatly gonna check that again mate
4. user_36974 Frequent Poster Joined: Aug 2009 Manchester Posts: 570 Mercury Grey VT?

   #4 29th July 2011, 22:27

   could also be lower arm (wishbone) ball joint worn causing the knocking
5. MickyWelsh172 Established Member Joined: May 2010 Sunderland Posts: 1966 Clio Sport 172

   #5 29th July 2011, 22:28

   Is the ball joint really noticeable when you've got the wheel off? We have just replaced the drop links, would it have stood out if it was fucked?
6. user_36974 Frequent Poster Joined: Aug 2009 Manchester Posts: 570 Mercury Grey VT?

   #6 29th July 2011, 22:33

   no not always.. if its that worn you will notice movement at the bottom of the strut when you try and shake the wheel back and too while its jacked up! sometimes it will only do it under weight if its only just started to go. the ball joint is behind the brake disc lower down
7. MickyWelsh172 Established Member Joined: May 2010 Sunderland Posts: 1966 Clio Sport 172

   #7 29th July 2011, 22:36

   Thanks mate, ill remember that.
   
   Im hoping theres something really obvious when i get the wheel off, or i'll have to wait till me dad comes through, or worse, Sunday when me uncle comes up.
   
   If they cant see owt, looks like im gonna have to get it to a garage for a proper look :'(
8. baker556 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2007 127.0.0.1 Posts: 4826 oem+ sax

   #8 29th July 2011, 22:47

   Probably ball joint if its wobbling
   
   If its making a noise could be balljoiint or cv joint.
9. MickyWelsh172 Established Member Joined: May 2010 Sunderland Posts: 1966 Clio Sport 172

   #9 29th July 2011, 22:48

   Could be both mate?
10. MickyWelsh172 Established Member Joined: May 2010 Sunderland Posts: 1966 Clio Sport 172

    #10 30th July 2011, 11:37

    Cant get the wheel off as my wheel brace is fucked! But ive checked the bearings by shaking the wheel from 12-6 positions, and theres no play at all!
    
    Heres a few pcitures i got from underneath, cant see anything majorly wrong tbh?
    
    Also stuck a couple of pictures of the drop links, how close the bolt is to the tyre
11. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

    #11 30th July 2011, 11:55

    If it is the ball joint then it`s easier to replace the complete wishbone,the knocking clunking sound is where the bushes have worn & you`ve got metal against metal.This is what happened to mine,replaced the wishbones(both sides had gone)now it`s fine.If you do replace the wishbone then you have to get the tracking done.
    
    Steve.
12. MickyWelsh172 Established Member Joined: May 2010 Sunderland Posts: 1966 Clio Sport 172

    #12 30th July 2011, 11:57

    Thanks Steve, definitely a garage job that, ha