2004 Peugeot 307 2.0 HDI suspension noise

[Gingerposer]

Folks, I'm normally a Citroen poster but this is on behalf of a pal.

On investigating a wierd clanging sort of noise he's reported hearing for a couple of days, we had the car up on stands today to check the front suspension and steering. The noise is much less obvious when the suspension is not loaded, but I believe it is caused by sticking of the top end of the springs where they sit inside some sort of cup type thing (similar to strut tops). When the steering is turned from lock to lock, the springs appear to stick then move a little, this repeats along the whole travel and back. This would presumably cause the noise when the front suspension is under normal load.

I'm unfamiliar with the suspension set-up, so am unsure what is causing this.

Is there some kind of lubrication which can be applied to cure the sticking? Or is there something more serious wrong with it?

Over to you Pug experts.


Ainslie

[addo]

From what you've described, seized strut top bearings sound likely. It's usually a good time to replace most of the strut top hardware. Spring compressor required!

[Gingerposer]

Cheers Adam, I'll pass that on (my hols are over now so no free time to tackle it) so he can get it to a garage.

Ainslie

[spider]

I could be wrong although I seem to remember a recall to fit a rubber bush / plate above the top spring on these to reduce noise. It may of been the 406's though, I'm not sure...