Front left knocking!

1. FutileBinkie L-plater Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 39 Posi Blue 2002 VTR

   #1 9th December 2012, 09:09

   Hey Guys,
   
   I have a 2002 VTR with 94k on it.
   
   I bought it a couple of months back and it had a slight knocking coming from the front left suspension and it knocks a bit when I pull away.
   
   I have checked the obvious. Wishbone mounting bolts and strut top mounting joint bolts.
   
   I am trying to work out what needs replacing.
   
   The last MOT says "Nearside front suspension arm has slight play in ball joint [2.4.G.2].
   
   Would that mean the Wishbone ball joint? Or the ones in the drop links?
   If it was the drop links, are these easy to change?
   Is there any real way to troubleshoot the issue?
   If I replaced one side would I need to do both?
   
   Sorry once again for the bombardment of questions, but I thought I'd get them all out here.
   
   Any help is greatly appreciated.
   
   Thanks
2. user_29491 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2008 Lancs Posts: 4124 JP4S'd R.

   #2 9th December 2012, 10:16

   Yeah he means the wishbone ball joints.
   
   They're only £7 each.. I took my Wishbones to a garage and they pressed them both in for a small fee.
   
   Might aswell change both of them - as the other won't be far behind it.
   
   Jack the car up and use a pry bar to see if there is movement in the balljoint. Shouldn't be any
   
3. FutileBinkie L-plater Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 39 Posi Blue 2002 VTR

   #3 9th December 2012, 15:05

   Thanks mate. Il look into getting a new pair of those.
   Also the bolt in the middle of the strut-top mounting bolts (13mm), which I assume is the top of the shocks, does this bolt need to be tight? Mine in a bit loose, could this cause knocking?
   
   cheers
4. Kirky Regular Poster Joined: Oct 2010 medway Posts: 314 saxo mk2 desire

   #4 9th December 2012, 15:38

   I'd say balljoint matey
5. biglicks1988 Infrequent Poster Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 133

   #5 16th December 2012, 15:13

   ide definatley say ball joint in your droplinks there easy to change better getting the whole droplink instead of replacing ball joint too much of a fuss. i bought two off ebay for a tenner. not the best droplinks but ive had them on my car now 5 months and all seems well. and yes the nuts should be tight.
6. biglicks1988 Infrequent Poster Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 133

   #6 16th December 2012, 15:15

   if the bolt is loose tht sits in the top od the droplink then it is goosed (knackered) and there is your knocking problem
7. danny-vts Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Dec 2010 Chesterfield/Nottingham Posts: 7147 dead vts. twisted 106 gti. '03' vtrrrr

   #7 16th December 2012, 16:23

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by biglicks1988 ide definatley say ball joint in your droplinks there easy to change better getting the whole droplink instead of replacing ball joint too much of a fuss. i bought two off ebay for a tenner. not the best droplinks but ive had them on my car now 5 months and all seems well. and yes the nuts should be tight.

   You will find it's the WISHBONE balljoint

   1 user thanked this post: FutileBinkie