351233 · Nov 13, 2012

Hi,

I have a slight clattering / clonky noise coming from the bottom of my 2003 L322 that can be heard if i go over a pothole or bump. I have been advised that it will more than likely be a ball joint, however, I have no means of knowing which ball joint its likely to be. Is there a common fault on these cars or a most likely ball joint?

Thanks, Mike

spitfire · Nov 13, 2012

Hi Mike, almost certainly the front lower suspension arm. You can change the bushes but it's really not worth it, it will be the ball joint which is goosed, just buy a pair of arms and remember to tighten up the bush bolts with the weight on the car not on the jack or they will squeak forever. I learnt the hard way. Massive difference in price on the bay, went with Britpart in the end and they seem to be ok. Cheers Ian

2.0_hippo · Nov 13, 2012

mine does it too.

both my upper and lower ball joints need doing.

on 145K now.

Blenheim Rover · Nov 14, 2012

Clattery noise could also be an exhaust heat shield come adrift. However as stated above if it's a clunk and from the front.

gold rover · Nov 14, 2012

Excuse the lack of tech speak but it could also be the stone shield thingy behind the wheels. I've had two fixed because of the 'clattering ' noise going over bumps. For clattering read, sounded like I was towing a rattling old trailer.Total cost to fix £0. So get underneath and see if it's that.

dolphinboy · Nov 14, 2012

+1 for gold. They rust rpthrough where the bolts are and make a din. Can be fixed by using large washers instead but to take them off completely you need to remove the whole wheel hub and brakes!

Dopey · Nov 14, 2012

At first I thought the noise could possibly be my wife in the back of your car..... but no shes still in the kitchen cooking, in her leg restraints... but could it possibly be your wife making noises???

351233 · Nov 14, 2012

Thanks for everyones input. Its hard to describe the noise but i think its more likely to be a ball joint as it doesnt sound tinny. I think the best thing i can do from the above info is order some bottom arms and hope for the best. Cheers again

2.0_hippo · Nov 14, 2012

yea with mine it only does it over large pot holes - you can feel it knock through the hole chassis. done my lower arms already, so upper ones need doing. this should be fun ! lol

kevwill · Nov 14, 2012

Dopey said:
At first I thought the noise could possibly be my wife in the back of your car..... but no shes still in the kitchen cooking, in her leg restraints... but could it possibly be your wife making noises???

:hysterically_laughi

My wife makes a horrible retching noise when going round roundabouts. Is there a section in rave I'm missing??

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