C5 rear suspension - cracking noise.

[Citroenmad]

We bought a C5 estate last week, its a great car however ...

It seems to be developing a cracking noise from the rear N/S suspension. It wasnt doing it when we collected it, but its getting worse as the days go by.

Its usually on big bumps, like speedbumps or potholes, but it can be fine at times with no noise and then on another bump it will make a loud cracking noise, which is a bit worrying.

One thought was the rear radious arm bearings? Not sure what else it could be, anyone any ideas?

Thanks, Chris.

[RichardW]

"One thought was the rear radious arm bearings?"

I'd say that was the right one. Early / high miles C5s are starting to suffer with these now. There was a thread on here recently where someone had canged the bearings, then the suspension went a bit haywire, and it needed a new sensor pot.

[citronut]

i agree with Richard certainly dose sound like arm bearings from hear anyway
regards malcolm

[Citroenmad]

Thanks for the replies, im told the radious arm bearing replacement is not too much hassle, so hopefully its not a big problem? I hope the sensor you mention, Richard, doesn't need replacing too!

The C5 estate is a late 2002 car with 105K miles, seems to have had an easy life, the boot is in good condition and it does not have a tow bar fitted. I suppose its just one of those things.

Usually with radious arm bearings the rear suspension goes stiff due to the friction and change of angle, meaning the wheel camber looks out, but all seems fine in the ride and wheel camber department, just the occasional odd cracking noise from the n/s/r suspension.

We are not keeping the estate car now anyway, it was going to be my sisters car but she finds it too big, so it has to go to free up some space, 9 cars is just too many. It will need to be fixed before its sold though.

Thanks, Chris.