Suspension clonk

davewithington · Post by **davewithington** » 18 Oct 2010, 20:28

Since I've had my Xantia - 1993 "L" Hydractive sinker - I've had a clonk on the front suspension, most noticeable when I come out of my gates onto the unsurfaced lane to the avenue.

So, I changed the wishbones, as the bushes were soft - some improvement
New bottom ball joints and drop links - some improvement.

Changed the strut tops, clonk completely gone.

Don't know why, can only assume that the rubber inside the mounting was breaking up, they weren't too rusty.

Damn glad I've changed them, easy job, took about an hour to do both sides. Cost £108 plus VAT each. I can now use the full cornering performance secure in the knowledge that my front wheels will remain pointed in the right direction

Post by **CitroJim** » 18 Oct 2010, 20:38

That was worrying Dave. Sounds like one of the tops was near to failing

Maybe that clonk is a good warning...

davewithington · Post by **davewithington** » 19 Oct 2010, 17:05

The top wasn't rusted out by any means, but the rubber had started to flake off.

If anyone is concerned about their strut tops, buy now.

davewithington · Post by **davewithington** » 20 Oct 2010, 20:02

Some photos

Dommo · Post by **Dommo** » 29 Oct 2010, 21:17

I'd be interested to know what the clonk sounds like. My front end makes a strange squeak over speed bumps, and at certain angles of steering there's a strange vibration throughout the car, very odd!

Deanxm · Post by **Deanxm** » 29 Oct 2010, 23:00

strange as in the photo the rubber seems to be perfectly bonded, i have to admit though the xm gives this muted knock/thud when both wheels hit a bump, i was thinking its roll bar bushes but then with the hubs off vigerously pushing and pulling on the struts produces a thudding noise from the strut head yet the rubber is perfectly bonded and there is no rust at all.

D