tarmacterrorist
Guest
Ive got a 2004 Cupra TDI with high mileage (155k) although generally the car is a great runner. Just recently Ive been having some suspension woes.
When driving over bumpy roads or when turning and braking there is a knocking noise coming from the OSF.
In the 2 years Ive had the car (done maybe 35k miles) i changed both lower arms just after purchase due to perished bushes. I left the balljoints in for ease at the time (the originals were ok) but have since replaced the NS balljoint & NS Trackrod end when I took the hub off for a wheel bearing.
At the last MOT my tester commented there was a bit of lift in the strut tops but nothing too bad and didnt even get an advisory for it. I checked over the strut tops today and the OS one has more play than the NS but they both feel quite 'loose' to me. The OS has maybe 20mm vertical movement when I put a pry bar under the wheel whilst its on stands. When the car is lowered back down both strut tops seem to pop up, you can easily see the difference, its as if they sag under the weight of the car. I am guessing this is total top mount failure? The knocking seems to be coming from 'low down' but perhaps its just something else knocking because of the movement? Or the sound transmitting elsewhere? I cant see any obvoius excess movement or worn components elsewhere (although will definitely take the opportunity to replace the OS balljoint whilst its dismantled) - how much movement is too much?
I have thought the car seemed to be low for OEM suspension, but it doesnt feel firm and sporty like a lowered car it feels very harsh and 'bottomed out' - things like full width speed humps seem very 'crashy' (if that makes sense?) even at low speeds.
I know this is simple common sense but I seem to recall reading that on higher mileage leons renewing the front suspension (springs and dampers as well as top mounts) has transformed the car. Do you think I should renew the springs and dampers too?
I have no immediate plans to get rid of the car and would like to avoid having to dismantle suspension again if it is something thats likely to be in need of replacement.
The MOT runs out on sunday and Ive been too busy to sort so I need this sorting asap although I am not working all week so have time for the TLC it needs!
When driving over bumpy roads or when turning and braking there is a knocking noise coming from the OSF.
In the 2 years Ive had the car (done maybe 35k miles) i changed both lower arms just after purchase due to perished bushes. I left the balljoints in for ease at the time (the originals were ok) but have since replaced the NS balljoint & NS Trackrod end when I took the hub off for a wheel bearing.
At the last MOT my tester commented there was a bit of lift in the strut tops but nothing too bad and didnt even get an advisory for it. I checked over the strut tops today and the OS one has more play than the NS but they both feel quite 'loose' to me. The OS has maybe 20mm vertical movement when I put a pry bar under the wheel whilst its on stands. When the car is lowered back down both strut tops seem to pop up, you can easily see the difference, its as if they sag under the weight of the car. I am guessing this is total top mount failure? The knocking seems to be coming from 'low down' but perhaps its just something else knocking because of the movement? Or the sound transmitting elsewhere? I cant see any obvoius excess movement or worn components elsewhere (although will definitely take the opportunity to replace the OS balljoint whilst its dismantled) - how much movement is too much?
I have thought the car seemed to be low for OEM suspension, but it doesnt feel firm and sporty like a lowered car it feels very harsh and 'bottomed out' - things like full width speed humps seem very 'crashy' (if that makes sense?) even at low speeds.
I know this is simple common sense but I seem to recall reading that on higher mileage leons renewing the front suspension (springs and dampers as well as top mounts) has transformed the car. Do you think I should renew the springs and dampers too?
I have no immediate plans to get rid of the car and would like to avoid having to dismantle suspension again if it is something thats likely to be in need of replacement.
The MOT runs out on sunday and Ive been too busy to sort so I need this sorting asap although I am not working all week so have time for the TLC it needs!
