A "clonk" from underneath...

1986 110 CSW, and I get a single "clonk" from underneath when turning and loading the suspension up a bit. What is this likely to be and where shall I start looking? And how do I test it?

Thanks

Hard-Drive said:

1986 110 CSW, and I get a single "clonk" from underneath when turning and loading the suspension up a bit. What is this likely to be and where shall I start looking? And how do I test it?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Start by rocking it about and having a listen, does it do it then? Another option is have someone rock it while you lie under it and look at and feel all the joints between chassis and suspension and axle etc.

You can also take a prybar under and have a pry at things to check for movement.

Another thing I do to check for clonks is drive one side up onto the kerb then drive off and try and work out which sides causes a noise - it's just really process of elimination - also, remember that a small amount of movement that barely clicks when prodded can make a big noise when loaded and done under vehicle movement.

It could be SOOOO many things. I have had loose radius arm bolts - worn A-frame ball joint - knackered bushes on the rear shockers - a clonk I never did find but went itself!

There are many steering joints and suspension bushes that could cause your noise. You could start by jacking up one wheel at a time and push/pull the wheel looking for movement. I'd start with the front, try rocking the wheels top to bottom, in case it's the swivel bearings/bushings. On a 1986 model you might have the old Rialko bush in the top of the swivel - they will wear and allow movement. If that seems fine, take a pry bar or similar and look for play in the panhard rod and steering bushes. If all OK at the front, look for play in the rear centre suspension joint - another favourite place for wear.

I had two clonks.
One was the A frame ball joint the other was the damper mounting hole in the axle casing going egg shaped from wear instead of round.

The last clonk i had was a totally shot king pin bearing.

Do you still have the original Boge suspension on the A frame? If so, it's probably seen better days. Rebuild A frame with new bushes and joint.