lsains

Member
Hi Guys,

I know noises are a nightmare to source without viewing the car, but just after some ideas.

So this is a fault I believe I've caused. I couldn't find a way to remove the undertray without drilling out the rivets, so I basically jacked the car engine up (for another repair job)with a block of wood on top of the undertray. I jacked it up about in line with the front wheels and in about a foot from the drivers side.

Now the car makes a twang noise occasionally from what sounds the drivers side. It is not related to suspension as I have driven it over pot holes with no noise at all.
I would say the noise happens when accelerating from stop possition or low speeds. It does sound like a ball joint, but I cancelled that out because you can't hear it all the time.

Any help would be great
Thanks
 
Just so you know, there's 2 bolts at the back of the tray - which presumably you found - but the undertray comes off with the metal frame - so there's also 2 at each rear corner onto the subframe and any number along the front probably 4 - but they often don't all get put back in. Oh and a couple of screws at the front as well into the valance.

As for the sound - not sure - mine always made a single small clunk (could be described as a twang I suppose!) when I start to move - I never really looked for the source - and now you come to mention it I don't think I've heard it for a while!
 
It's comes off? Hmm I thought I really scoured for the bolts,so much so I thought I'd find gold! I do have the facelifted freelander, that isn't different by any chance?
 
Maybe! Mines pre facelift. But its a lot of metal that comes off with the plastic bit - it does look like you're dismantling some serious chassis stuff when you remove it!
 
Bolts on the facelifted model are hidden by the lower part of the bumper. They're a right bu@@er to get to as you have to pull the bumper out of the way and use an extension socket with a swivel. I ended up drilling two 3/4" holes in the bumper to get better access. They are under the car so will never be seen.
 
I've done the same thing with mine. Was trying to replace my top engine mounts and one of the bolts that attach the metal arm between the hydromount and the side of the engine would not come undone. I did the same thing, jacked up the engine by 3-4 inches to allow the bracket to lift over the hydromount thread so i could slide a new one in. Got it all bolted up and ever since its done the same thing you've noticed. A clunk from behind the drivers footwell, seems to give a good clunk when downshifting without letting the revs drop and sometimes when pulling away, but never over speedbumps etc. Not entirely sure what it is but it isn't the lower tie bar mount as thats a brand new polymount.
 
Very interesting replies thanks guys.
I can't believe the undertray is that awkward to remove, who thought of that idea???

Krisboats: How strange is that you were doing the same job as me! If you do find out what your fault is let me know and I'll do the same for you. I may well bite the bullet and take it to a mechanic, much easier to find when you have ramps/lifts etc
 
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Sounds like something didn't reseat properly when the engine was let down again. Think I'd defo get it checked out.
 
Very interesting replies thanks guys.
I can't believe the undertray is that awkward to remove, who thought of that idea???

Krisboats: How strange is that you were doing the same job as me! If you do find out what your fault is let me know and I'll do the same for you. I may well bite the bullet and take it to a mechanic, much easier to find when you have ramps/lifts etc

Did you undo your lower tie bar mount at the time? I fitted my new polymount at the bottom and had it bolted, loosely. I then put the car jack under the oil tray and jacked it up 3-4 inches so i could swap out the top mounts etc. Replaced the rear rubber mount at the top with the standard type and replaced the top mount.

I'm wondering whether i've managed to pop the offside driveshaft out of place or something. I've done around 500 miles on it already since jacking up the engine.
 
Okay, so mine MAY have been caused by a pair of molegrips that i left clamped to one of the smaller undertray bolts behind the IRD unit. Will be giving it a test drive in a few minutes to see how it fares without the grips touching the IRD hahaha
 
Okay, so mine MAY have been caused by a pair of molegrips that i left clamped to one of the smaller undertray bolts behind the IRD unit. Will be giving it a test drive in a few minutes to see how it fares without the grips touching the IRD hahaha

I had a clunking sound on me old Manta. On corners it thump thump thumped.

Garage had the answer 'the mudflaps are hitting the road mate'

:boxing:
 
Krisboats haha that's hilarious, but of course you left them there for safe keeping right? Lol.

I've had another look round and can't see anything suspicious, very strange. Think I may have to take the plunge a d get it booked in ��
 
Yeah made me giggle when i was under the car looking at the wobbly gear linkage to see the mole grips sat there quite happily. Its done 350 miles with those still under there!!!:eek:

Seems like the clunking noise is gone for me now so that must have been the grips knocking on the back of the IRD as the engine moved when pulling away. Sorry its no help to getting yours sorted though dude, couldnt hurt to check for stray molegrips though :D
 
Did you get yours sorted in the end? I've still got a type of knocking from the drivrrs side, although not the same as the molegrips. This seems to be if i'm a little unforgiving with the gear changes/accelerator it'll clunk a little. Putting down power facing up a hill at around 20-30mph will get a rattle/clunk and under 70mph on a highway is fine, but as soon as it hits 80mph it clunks consistenly, almost as though the exhaust is bashing somewhere under the engine.
 

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