C4 GP MK2 front struts and bearings

[Romzi]

Hello,

On my Citroën C4 Grand Picasso MK2 (year 2017, approx. 77,670 miles), I’m experiencing an annoying rattling noise coming from the front suspension area. All joints, control arms, and tie rod ends have been inspected, and there is no noticeable play anywhere.

The most likely cause of the noise seems to be the bearings or mounts of the front struts. I’m planning to replace everything (front struts, strut mounts, and bearings), but I’d first like to find the OEM part numbers so I can research exactly what I need.

If anyone knows, suggestions are also welcome regarding which parts to install – original replacement parts or aftermarket options such as Monroe or Febi Bilstein?

Thanks in advance.

The car’s VIN number is: 98 004 797 80

[PaulC5]

The forum does not currently have access to Citroen parts diagrams so you might need to visit a dealer to find the part numbers.

When does the rattling noise happen ?

[RichardW]

Ours is doing this, very metallic rattle, sounds a bit like the noise a fridge makes when you move it! Sure it is the struts - they are a weak point and develop play in the silde bearings. You should be able to look up the part numbers on the KYB website.

[Romzi]

Alright, thank you.

The rattling noise appears on the right-hand side, at the right-passenger side (I’m from Slovenia), usually when the car goes over small bumps, such as cracked asphalt. It most often occurs when the right side of the car is slightly tilted to the right or when I’m driving through a gentle left-hand curve.

The noise is exactly the same as the one caused by a worn-out anti-roll bar (stabilizer bar), but in my case, that’s not the issue.

[Romzi]

Do you have any recommendations on which struts to install?
Are there any aftermarket options that last more than 75,000 miles (which seems ridiculously low)?

[RichardW]

Not really, I was going to go with KYB (which may be the OE supplier). I can't see ours outliving a second set of struts!

[wurlycorner]

Not familiar with the C4, but looking online although it's a different platform the setup looks very similar to the C2 - and for what it's worth I replaced strut tops/dampers on a C2 Loeb with Febi Strut Tops and KYB dampers and was happy with the result. I'd be equally happy with SKF/Bilstein, depending on what's available and cost etc.

[PaulC5]

Our 2015 C4 developed a metallic knock at the left side and that was play within the strut so the shaft could move slightly sideways. Not easy to check on the car but once removed the play was bad, possibly sounding like a ball bearing in a tin can. A new strut sorted it, the top bearing was still ok but I replaced it anyway. The other side was also done so the struts were a matched pair. It was the Citroen parts dept that pointed me in this direction, the car had only done around 25k miles and 4 years old.

[Romzi]

Waiting for a dealer, to check VIN and get back to me with part numbers.

[Romzi]

I ordered struts, bearings and strut mounts for both sides, all Febi (Bilstein) from Autodoc.
Will report after replacement.

[Romzi]

So, yesterday I replaced the front struts, mounts, and bearings. I also replaced the dust covers and stoppers.
There's no more knocking, and the driving feels much better.
The front right strut was completely shot — it had sideways play and no rebound damping at all.

[Romzi]

Struts: https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bilstein/9266789
Mounts: https://www.autodoc.co.uk/skf/12273016
Dust cover kit: https://www.autodoc.co.uk/monroe/15088732

[wurlycorner]

Good news and well done getting it sorted.