Citroen C5 ns suspension clunking noise

[Ryarsh]

Hi, I'm new to this forum but have found it a very useful source of information in the past.

I have a 2004 Citroen C5 2.2HDi with about 80k on the clock. She generally drives very well and is a great long distance runner. The issue I have had for some time now and have had no luck resolving is a clunking/rattling noise coming from the front nearside. I have jacked the car up and inspected everything I could think of for play but cant't find any in the hub/brakes/lower suspension links or steering. I even tried changing the drop link bar but all to no avail. The only other thing I can think of is the Mcpherson strut, possibly the internals ?

Any ideas would be gratefully received/anyone had similar ? I tightened the top mounting bolts to see if it had any play but again no joy. I should mention that it has been there for some considerable time now and it always gets through the MOT with out a mention !

Regards

[Hell Razor5543]

Well, first, welcome aboard. Second, I cannot help, as I have no experience of the C5, but somebody will be along soon to help.

[waynedance]

Hard to say if you have checked everything for play. When does the noise happen, over bumps & potholes? how loud is the noise?

Are the brake pads loose?
Drive shaft?
disc back plate?
anti roll bar rubbers?

[myglaren]

Drop links would have been my guess. I haven't had this problem with either of mine although they have been changed.

[Ryarsh]

Most noticeable over speed humps or pot holes when it is a clear clunk but over rough surfaced concrete roads would be more of a rattling noise. Front suspension seems quite firm but not hard as when a sphere has gone. I almost wish it would fail the MOT at least then I would know what I needed to fix !!

[SaabC5]

I'll agree with Myglaren, drop links are a favourite for clonking noises on the front. Pattern ones are about £12-15, Lemforder ones are about £30 but last a hell of a lot longer than cheapo pattern parts.

[micky707]

I get a clunk when i do a full turn out of my drive, only when the suspension is very low though, so i now make sure it is up a bit before i pull away, any ideas what that is?

[myglaren]

I get a clunk when i do a full turn out of my drive, only when the suspension is very low though, so i now make sure it is up a bit before i pull away, any ideas what that is?

A greater concern is why is your suspension low? In a C5 it should achieve normal ride height within a few seconds of unlocking it, long before you have time to start the engine.

[Stempy]

If you replaced the drop link with a cheap one it could still be that making the noise as they last no time at all.

[Ryarsh]

Guys, thanks for your posts. Re the drop link bar I replaced it with a Lemforder purchased from a Citroen main dealer. To be fair the one I removed showed no signs of wear or play so I wasn't that hopefull. I'm going to revisit the drop link to make sure I have it fitted securely with no play. I would assume the MOT man would have picked it up though if it was loose. Had MOT on Monday from a proper garage. If the link bars are worn do they actually show play, is there a specific test ? I'm still suspicious of the Mcpherson strut internals but only because I can't find any play elsewhere !

[Jeff]

I had the problem with worn drop links, mine sounded like a cover was hanging loose some where around the engine compartment.

I now have a different problem, at the rear when going over speed humps or even small pot holes, it sounds like the exhaust is banging underneath or exhaust heat shield but both seem okay? Someone mentioned could be bushes? Any idea's please?

[Stickyfinger]

I had the problem with worn drop links, mine sounded like a cover was hanging loose some where around the engine compartment.

I now have a different problem, at the rear when going over speed humps or even small pot holes, it sounds like the exhaust is banging underneath or exhaust heat shield but both seem okay? Someone mentioned could be bushes? Any idea's please?

Bushes, get them done quick or you could scrap the car. My last one RIP'ed that way

[myglaren]

Which bushes?
Mine has a light rattle when being reversed quickly around corners, sounds like a heat shield. Two independent checks found nothing - one of them was the MOT tester who was asked to pay particular attention.

[Stickyfinger]

Rear swing arms, they can "oval" the holes, worth having a Citroen specialist check as once gone they are a problem.
"exhaust is banging underneath" ...sounds the same as mine, "a light rattle", does not sound like mine....you decide