Suspension sinks on Sundays! C5 X7 that works hard + 206 GTi HDi (and 406 Coupe and 306 HDi). - MattBLancs

[MattBLancs]

The front end knock .. drop link sound or lower ball joint sound

That was where we focused looking -

Ball joints are relatively new (about a year or so, from memory) and thankfully fine. Decent brand.


Wishbone bushes also changed, forgotten they were so new!
viewtopic.php?p=802707#p802707

8th March 2025
viewtopic.php?p=832585#p832585

Track rod ends (outers) are also recently replaced.

15th June 2024
viewtopic.php?p=802642&hilit=Track+rod#p802642


Drop links are also not that old. All seemed fine.


The knock is very hard to pin down, it doesn't count on every bump, only certain occasions you hear it. Think we'll wait to see what the MOT tester thinks of it

[RichardW]

Strut top mounts can account for all sorts of random noises...

[MattBLancs]

Strut top mounts can account for all sorts of random noises...

Oh that's a good shout and an area undisturbed by my hand!

[Huskyxantia]

Top mount will make a creaking sound on full lock when stationary this is the tale tell first sign of it failing, the part that fails is the metal piece it comes detached from the rubber then this will make the knock , not all the time at first , its a proper knock and pretty annoying as it travels down wards. Anyone who's had one go will tell you the knock sounds worse over time , one or a number of good hard pot hole hits will help this fail big time

[Huskyxantia]

It sounds like something hitting the front wing that's what I just remembered when I had the knock I thought the wing had come unbolted, think i jacked up the car and gave the leg a good tug then there was movement from the top , when i took the top mount off , compressed the spring first . The mount fell the pieces.
Here's what ai says...

Knocking Over Bumps: A loud thudding or knocking sound when driving over potholes, speed bumps, or rough roads.Steering Noises: A grinding, twanging, or "boing" noise when turning the steering wheel from lock to lock, particularly when the car is stationary.Jerky Steering: The steering wheel may feel jerky or struggle to center itself because the upper strut bearing has seized.Vibration: Increased vibration felt through the steering wheel on uneven roads.

[MattBLancs]

I'll dig out the pictures of my 306's top mount bearings at some point. The only complaint was a slight graunching noise turning lock to lock,
I couldn't believe the state they were in when removed!

EDIT easier to find that I thought!

Spoiler: show

EDIT 2 = MAY 2013. Thirteen years ago!?!

[Huskyxantia]

Just like what my 206 looked like when I had it slight noise which got worse and they were just like your ones.

[RichardW]

It was the bit above that which was broken on my 3008 - the central metal sleeve had become unbonded from the rubber surround. The OS one wàs knocking a bit, the near side one had developed a horrendous squeaking noise by the time I got to replacing it! Not really sure how you would diagnose without dismantling the strut...

[CitroJim]

I'll dig out the pictures of my 306's top mount bearings at some point. The only complaint was a slight graunching noise turning lock to lock,
I couldn't believe the state they were in when removed!

I've extracted a few grotty ones from AXs in the past - so easy to dismiss and forget about these as they are well hidden...

[PaulC5]

I replaced a top mount on our 2003 C3, cannot remember but think it was knocking and trying other things had not helped. Once removed some of the balls in the bearing were missing. It was not long since the dealer had replaced the front springs (at no cost to us) as one had snapped so possibly it got damaged then when being replaced.

On our 2015 a front knocking sound like a bearing in a tin can was caused by wear so the chrome shaft could move a bit sideways. Difficult to check on the car but once the strut was removed the play was bad and the noise was there.

[ozfrog]

The front end knock .. drop link sound or lower ball joint sound

The front end knock on my 307 was the Front strut top mounts.

I thought it was a gearbox mounting, but I was wrong.

[MattBLancs]

Thanks all, a quick look suggests Autodoc has SKF top mount bearings around £6 each and Ridex brand top mount (the rubber bit I think RichardW is describing on his 3008) about the same each.

MOT is booked for Friday morning, so likely putting an order in deferred 'till I know nothing else is needed.

Will also see if can give dampers a good wiggle (not up-down, but sideways play I think based on PaulC5's description

[Huskyxantia]

Side to side steady but firm