Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

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smoker
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Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by smoker »

Hi,
I've noticed a knocking noise when driving at slower speeds over broken road surfaces. Seems to be coming mainly from front near side, and can be heard and felt through the floor. On smoother road surfaces things seem fine.

Had something similar a few years ago on the rear of a 306 and it turned out to be the rear axle mounts which a few on this forum correctly diagnosed; is there a known issue on Xsaras along similar lines? Had a poke around underneath but not really sure what I'm looking for or at.

Car is an estate on a 52 plate, 105,000miles.

Thanks
52 reg Xsara 110 hdi
lexi
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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by lexi »

Try drop link first. It connects anti roll bar to the suspension strut.
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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by Peter.N. »

Two for droplinks, that's by far the most likely cause, not expensive and not difficult to fit.

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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by smoker »

Many thanks. To test, my understanding is jack up car and look for up/down play? Never done these before but for the price I'll have a go. MOT in April so hopefully a descent weather window before then.
52 reg Xsara 110 hdi
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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by Peter.N. »

You generally can't feel any play in them until you have one end disconnected so don't be fooled. If you get the very cheap ones from ebay the rubber boots soon perish allowing the water in followed by rapid failure, if you compare what is for sale on there for not a lot extra you can get decent ones, look for ones in cardboard boxes with the manufacturers name on they are usually OK.

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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by smoker »

Thanks again Peter. TRW parts seem to come recommended and are available for around £15. Looking forward to restoring peace and harmony in the cabin!
52 reg Xsara 110 hdi
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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by jgra1 »

smoker I think both ends are held by a 16-18mm nut (cant remember exactly) once you start to undo the nut, it hits the rusty threads and the shaft then starts to turn.. this then involves angle grinding off usually....
I think you could wire brush (on a drill) the threads and coat in grease before you try to undo, it can only help..
there is sometimes a small spline access in the end of the shaft, to hold it whilst undoing the nut.. the spline socket never holds out against the pressure of the spanner and breaks.. which is a pain :)
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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by Peter.N. »

The nuts size seems to vary, but yes give the threads a good wire brush then apply a little engine oil to the threads and let it soak in. When the whole thing starts to rotate you can sometimes prevent it by applying pressure to the rod using a crow bar or similar, this will often cause enough friction to stop it rotating. Some links have an allen screw hole in the end but to uses this you of course need to use a spanner rather than a socket.

If the threaded section does start turning you can sometimes get away with doing the nut up again and further wire brushing the thread.

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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

If you do replace the droplinks (assuming that they are the cause), put a load of grease onto the threads after you have done them up tight. It may protect them from rust in future.
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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by Peter.N. »

... or even better waxoil.
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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by jgra1 »

I was wondering if it was worth putting a bit of old (or new) rubber fuel pipe over threads as well? never done it but always think I should..
Peter.N.
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x 1199

Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by Peter.N. »

Would be an idea but if you plaster the thread with waxoil before you screw the nut on and again afterwards it will eventually set and stay in position. I have used it on amateur radio aerials that have been up in the weather for years and have had no problem at all undoing them even if the metal clamps have gone rusty. I just use a small paint brush in a pot.

Peter
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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by jgra1 »

good idea Peter..
smoker
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Re: Xsara 110hdi knocking from front

Post by smoker »

Some great ideas and advice, as always. Many thanks. (Sort of) looking forward to getting stuck in.
52 reg Xsara 110 hdi
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