C5 - front suspension noises ?

[hamster99]

I am getting clunks and rattles which appear to come from the front when I drive along relatively smooth roads at low speeds (20-30mph). I have checked all the suspension ball joints, steering etc and they all feel tight and not loose at all.

Is it possible that it is the tops of the front suspension struts or maybe something else. I'm a bit worried as the MOT is due in Feb.

Don't know what else to check.

Rob

[Jeff]

If it sounds like a plastic panel is loose in the engine compartment and knocking about when you go over a pot hole or uneven road surface its probably drop link(s). An mot should confirm this for you if you can live with it until then, let them find it.

For anyone reading this who has this problem - you can change the drop links quite easily as long as they undo okay. On removing the front wheel behind each of the front struts is a vertical stabiliser bar bolted top and bottom - thats what you need to change. Its the sort of job you will be pleased you did it yourself. If you cant a garage should not charge more than an hours labour. Most contributors on here like to refit lemforder make drop links, AKA anti roll bar links.

[Peter.N.]

Probably the anti roll bar drop links, they generally don't feel loose unless you take the weight off them. They are not expensive and not difficult to fit.

Peter

[Peter.N.]

Sorry Jeff you obviously type faster than me.

[Jeff]

Sorry Jeff you obviously type faster than me.

I can type fast Peter but my brain slows everything down!

I just remembered too that to undo the drop links nut you put an allen key in the bolt end to stop it turning. When I've replaced mine I put a generous amount of grease over the nuts and they come off easier next time around. Also put the old nuts back on with the new ones to completely cover all the thread..

EDIT: Scroll down there's a thread going at the moment : "Drop Links"

[RichardW]

Stubborn drop links are easily removed with an angle grinder with a 1mm cutting blade in it I suspect that they can be removed relatively easily with a rattle gun if you have access to one.

[dnsey]

Also put the old nuts back on with the new ones to completely cover all the thread.

Now that's a good idea!

[hamster99]

Hi All
Fitted a couple of new anti-roll bar drop links today and all my strange noises have gone away.....yay..!!
Looking at the old ones they were very knackered. So much movement in ball joints it probably wouldn't have been that long before they popped out.
Actually dead easy to do as well, not something you often say about the C5! All done, both sides in an hour.
Rob

[Jeff]

Good advice then?

[hamster99]

Absolutely Jeff, thanks.
Whereabouts in South Wales are you? I grew up in Port Talbot!
Rob

[Jeff]

Hi Rob,

I'm in Gorseinon... did you move from Port Talbot before developing asthma??

Jeff

[hamster99]

Oh, how I miss the welsh humour... and yep, moved in 1988.

Mind you, now the steel works is more like a fabricators and BP is all but closed I'm sure the health of the town has improved dramatically.