C5 knocking noise

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Andy F
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C5 knocking noise

Post by Andy F »

Hi all

My 2001 C5 2.0 hdi makes a knocking noise at low speed. it doesnt seem linked to cornering just small bumps. i cant make it knock by changing direction quickly. its not that loud and 'disappears' at speeds over 30 mph. its hard to hear where its coming from, sometimes it sounds like its down the back, although the car shudders when starting up and stopping and the sound is similar as if maybe an engine mount is to blame?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated. the car is still under warranty but would like to go to the garage with the problem identified so i'm not without car for too long. they made me drive a mondeo last time.

Andy
1999 Citroen Xantia 2.0 HDi 110 Estate
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Citroenmad
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Post by Citroenmad »

Drop links are a common thing to go on C5s. If its a rattling noise then it could be this.To test, find the drop link (just behind the front wheel, attatched to the anti roll bar - if you didnt know) hond onto it and get someone to rock the car from side to side, this should create the noise and you should be able to feel it in your hand. Try both sides.

Could be engine mountings, the car shouldnt shake when starting or stopping the engine.
Chris
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quintet
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Post by quintet »

When the C5 was first released they were prone to knocking/rumbling noises from the rear & to be honest I'm not sure 'citroen' really came up with a half decent fix but we used to fit soundproofing kits in the boot & under the rear seats (basically insulation), have a look there to see if your car already has it, it looks a bit like roofing felt stuff & should cover pretty much the whole floor under the rear seat & in the boot. Occasionally we changed the rear sphere's but i don't recall that making a whole lot of differance. The insulation kits are a main dealer part but it's not what you'd call fast moving stock so stock may well be limited. You'll need a heat gun or a pretty strong hairdryer to apply it too as it requires moulding to the contours of the vehicle, the kit also includes various bits of foam backed padding to be used with the tool kit (if i recall correctly).
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Citroenmad
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Post by Citroenmad »

Yes, very true, early C5s suffered most until a few modifacations were introduced along the C5s life to stop the noise. Weights and soundproofing were added. The rear suspension was very knocky, some cars had replacement rear beams too.

This C5 mentioned is a 2001, so it could well have missed out on the revisions due to being an early car. Though i think some were recalled for this?

However knowing if the knocking noise was coming from the rear or the front of the car would help diagnose the source of the noise.
Chris
07 Citroen C6 V6 HDi Exclusive - Red
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boristhespie
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Post by boristhespie »

On back could be the bearing on the rear trailing arm. Get it checked asap otherwise it may wear the bearing seating and your car can end up with a very serious problem.

I had one replaced for £350 other garages were talking about scrapping car.

Not an obvious problem to find. Mines never moved under inspection but the clattering noise, sounded eventually mechanical and metallic going over bumps.
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Andy F
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Post by Andy F »

Thanks for everyones responses. It does sound like its coming from the back so will get it checked right away. I can't 'feel' the knocks if that makes sense. had it on the ramps briefly this weekend nothing obvious, but will check those suggestions

Thanks
1999 Citroen Xantia 2.0 HDi 110 Estate
2001 Citroen Xantia 2.0 HDi 110 LX
1999 Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDi 90
1983 T25 VW camper
1994 Mini 1275 35th Anniversary Edition - sold
2007 C8 2.0 HDi 136 Exclusive - sold
Previous AXs
1987 11RE
1987 11TRE
1995 Dimension
Citroenman80
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Re: C5 knocking noise

Post by Citroenman80 »

Did you find the fault or cause of this problem my car a 2001 Citroen C5 2.0HDI . It has the exact same symptons as yours.....
Citroen C5 2001 2.0 HDI 150,000
Andy F
Posts: 156
Joined: 19 Mar 2009, 23:58
Location: Gloucestershire
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x 8

Re: C5 knocking noise

Post by Andy F »

Hi, yes I did find the fault. I fitted new drop links on the front and the rattles all stopped. It was difficult to hear which end of the car it was coming from, but drop links were a cheap place to start, and a very common failing on C5. Avoid cheap parts, I used cheapo ones first and they lasted 6 months on the ploughed roads out in The Cotswolds. I used lemdorfer ones after that and the sound didnt come back.
Hope that helps

Andy
1999 Citroen Xantia 2.0 HDi 110 Estate
2001 Citroen Xantia 2.0 HDi 110 LX
1999 Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDi 90
1983 T25 VW camper
1994 Mini 1275 35th Anniversary Edition - sold
2007 C8 2.0 HDi 136 Exclusive - sold
Previous AXs
1987 11RE
1987 11TRE
1995 Dimension
Citroenman80
Posts: 7
Joined: 11 May 2012, 00:25
Location: Co Cork, Rep of Ireland
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Re: C5 knocking noise

Post by Citroenman80 »

cheers Andy will replace them asap... Seems strange that it sounds like the knocking is coming from the back.... Will Get it done and let you know how i get on... Fingers crossed, it will be the fix.... I live in Cork Rep of Ireland and our roads are fairly rough too.... so will try and get some good quality ones.
Citroen C5 2001 2.0 HDI 150,000
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