Knock chasing

**D5 Stunt Man** · Thursday 28th August 2008, 15:08

After my very quick induction into Volvo ownership I find myself spending some cash on the said steed to find a knocking noise at the front of the motor which I cannot seem to get rid of.

This is whats been replaced so far:

1. Front wishbones (Volvo OEM)
2. Drop links all round (Scantech)
3. Upper and lower engine torque mounts (Volvo OEM - thanks Rufe!)

The knocking at the front has eased off since all the replacements have been made however the knocking seems prevelant when turning left or right slow (ish), sometimes it happens driving in a straight line around town.

My thoughts are:

1. Could it be duff drop links?
2. Worn track rod ends?
3. Worn suspension seats or tops?

I've bounced the car up and down and there is some movement (not a lot) where the top of the front struts move up and down with the car but only about centimeter of two. Is this normal and should they be moving? When I bounce the car I cannot replicate the knocking noise.

How would I know if the track rod ends are knackered? There is not abnormal tyre wear that I can see.

I'm a bit reluctant to keep spending money on it and I'm considering going back to BMW where I never had issues like this. This would be a shame as I really like the S60.

Someone help.... please!

**dave stew** · Thursday 28th August 2008, 15:20

It could be the upper spring seat mounts. I saw these new products on the ipd website so it looks like a common problem: http://www.ipdusa.com/ipd%2DHeavy%2D...%2DSeat/fi-37/

**dave stew** · Thursday 28th August 2008, 15:21

I don't think its your track rod ends either. I replaced mine (and the inner track rods) as there was excessive play and a 'clonk' on full steering lock.

**D5 Stunt Man** · Thursday 28th August 2008, 15:31

Blimey Dave, thanks for the quick reply.

I was hoping you wouldn't say about the spring mounts (although I exepcted it).

My problem with replacing these items is I would feel compelled to replace the shocks as well, and as you probably know that won't be a cheap job.

Would it deffo be worth replacing the shocks (done 62000 miles) and if you are doing the front would it be worth doing the rear also?

Would this be what I have to replace:

http://www.ipdusa.com/version.asp?st...=404&V_ID=7226

Or would I have to replace this as well:

http://www.ipdusa.com/version.asp?st...=404&V_ID=7225

**dave stew** · Thursday 28th August 2008, 15:57

My thoughts are that if you are paying someone to fit a spring mount, the labour cost would be well spent putting new front dampers on at the same time. It's likely the rubber mounts are causing the knocking. If you intend on keeping the car, I'd replace the struts, spring mounts and top bearings.

If you are on a budget, reserve judgement on the bearings until you get them out.

**D5 Stunt Man** · Thursday 28th August 2008, 17:03

Originally Posted by dave stew

My thoughts are that if you are paying someone to fit a spring mount, the labour cost would be well spent putting new front dampers on at the same time. It's likely the rubber mounts are causing the knocking. If you intend on keeping the car, I'd replace the struts, spring mounts and top bearings.

If you are on a budget, reserve judgement on the bearings until you get them out.

That was my thoughts unfortunatley!

My idea of a cheap (ish) runaround car is slowly disintegrating.

**v70torslanda** · Friday 29th August 2008, 23:24

Before you shell out on the big stuff, have you tried greasing the steering lock stops on the leading edge of the wishbones? Little plastic half-rollers that limit the travel of the steering (vital if you have big wheels & 235 tyres). If they're dry you get a click that sounds like CV joint chatter as you manoeuvre.

Just thought I'd mention it befor eyou melt your plastic . . .

J

**D5 Stunt Man** · Saturday 30th August 2008, 09:21

Originally Posted by v70torslanda

Before you shell out on the big stuff, have you tried greasing the steering lock stops on the leading edge of the wishbones? Little plastic half-rollers that limit the travel of the steering (vital if you have big wheels & 235 tyres). If they're dry you get a click that sounds like CV joint chatter as you manoeuvre.

Just thought I'd mention it befor eyou melt your plastic . . .

J

I had read somewhere about that (Rufe posted me thinks?)

I've never really done anything like that to any car that I've owner. I presume I just by some decent grease and put a dollop on the contact points?

**v70torslanda** · Saturday 30th August 2008, 13:35

yep,

just a good dollop. no need to jack up the car, you should be able to access the lock stops by using full lock in each direction. Look at the outside wheel on full lock - that is the right hand on full left, for example - the part of the steering knuckle which contacts the wishbone should be obvious. Put a nice fingerful (Ooh! Errrr!) on to the wishbone plastic 'slipper', reverse the steering and repeat on the other side.

J

**D5 Stunt Man** · Saturday 30th August 2008, 23:14

Originally Posted by v70torslanda

yep,

just a good dollop. no need to jack up the car, you should be able to access the lock stops by using full lock in each direction. Look at the outside wheel on full lock - that is the right hand on full left, for example - the part of the steering knuckle which contacts the wishbone should be obvious. Put a nice fingerful (Ooh! Errrr!) on to the wishbone plastic 'slipper', reverse the steering and repeat on the other side.

J

I did this today with some copper grease (only stuff I could lay my hands on) and it hasn't made any difference.

Looks like its the expensive option.

**D5 Stunt Man** · Wednesday 1st October 2008, 22:01

So more knocking noises are appearing.

I seem to have a intermittent knocking noise coming from the rear off the car. It only seems to occur when turning over mini roundabouts or turning corners.

Anyone got any idea?

**dave stew** · Wednesday 1st October 2008, 22:36

A friend who has a garage had a V70 in six months ago and it was the damper tubes rattling about in the struts.

Mine's having the lot done soon - springs, dampers, drop links front and rear, top mounts and rubber mounts.

Oh, and mine clonks like a 90 year old porn star too.

**D5 Stunt Man** · Thursday 2nd October 2008, 08:13

Thanks for the reply Dave.

Going back to my earlier posts about knocking from the front, I read somewhere that a popping noise while turning could indicate worn CV joints. This isn't something you've had replaced have you?

**D5 Stunt Man** · Thursday 2nd October 2008, 16:38

Been out today and the knocking sounds like the sound my old BMW made when the rear anti roll bar bushes went.

Does this sound feasible?

**dave stew** · Thursday 2nd October 2008, 17:18

Originally Posted by D5 Stunt Man

Thanks for the reply Dave.

Going back to my earlier posts about knocking from the front, I read somewhere that a popping noise while turning could indicate worn CV joints. This isn't something you've had replaced have you?

Possibly, more like a clicking sound on full lock (you can hear it better with the window open). I have replaced both my driveshafts, too.

**dave stew** · Thursday 2nd October 2008, 17:19

Originally Posted by D5 Stunt Man

Been out today and the knocking sounds like the sound my old BMW made when the rear anti roll bar bushes went.

Does this sound feasible?

Again, the rear ARB mounts do go. Bad news is that they are unavailable separately and you may need a new ARB.

**D5 Stunt Man** · Thursday 2nd October 2008, 17:28

Possibly, more like a clicking sound on full lock (you can hear it better with the window open). I have replaced both my driveshafts, too.

Yeah I went out in the car today specifically looking for this and admittedly with the windows up I couldn't hear the clicking noise and it doesn't seem to make the noise on full lock only when you are turning the sterring wheel and it is under steering load.

I got under the car and the CV boots look in good nick no tears etc. I personally don't think its the CV joints, I'm more inclined to think its the track rod ends.

Again, the rear ARB mounts do go. Bad news is that they are unavailable separately and you may need a new ARB.

This would make sense as it seems to knock going round a corner. Even my wife noticed this today and shes deaf as your 90-year old porn star.

The knocking wouldn't be any of the other rear bushes would it, or is the most likely suspect the ARB?

**dave stew** · Thursday 2nd October 2008, 18:34

Most likely either the ARB or the drop links. I'd go for drop links first as they are cheaper!
My O/S (longer) driveshaft had wear to the inner suspension joint - I doubt if it's your CV joints.

**Alan M** · Thursday 2nd October 2008, 18:40

Timing belt end engine mount. I have just replaced mine after going through everything else to stop an annoying knocky rattle type sound . The sound I had happened while steering or going over slightly uneven roads slowly. My mount was dead really but not noticeable from above until compared to a new one.

**Dangerous Dave** · Thursday 2nd October 2008, 19:30

Originally Posted by Alan M

Timing belt end engine mount. I have just replaced mine after going through everything else to stop an annoying knocky rattle type sound . The sound I had happened while steering or going over slightly uneven roads slowly. My mount was dead really but not noticeable from above until compared to a new one.

I'm with alan, I've just changed my engine mount and its made a difference.