Front suspension knock / rattle

[wurzel]

I picked up my Cupra on Saturday, loving it to bits although it seems to have a knock / rattle / creak coming from the front end over poor surfaces and low speed but on smooth roads it is fine. I have done a search on here and got a few possible causes but would like some more information on identifying the cause & symptons:

1) Suspension Top Mounts - With the car parked is there a way to test these?

2) Wishbones

3) Springs and dampers (don't think this is the problem as very little movement when stationary)

4) Ball Joints

5) Are there any other bushes that could be causing the noise?

Its an 04 plate with 40000 miles. I have 3 months AA warranty so want to try and identify cause and get it sorted under warranty. All help will be appreciated.

 

[wurzel]

Any suspension experts or people with experience?

 

[stuart86]

turn your steering on the spot and look at the top mounts

other method is the bounce test... push down on your front end and listen.. do it with the bonnet open and watch the top mount this way as well

 

[Stan 24v]

I would say its the ARB Bushes mae, theyre fairly easy (and cheap) to change too, so a good place to start.

 

[wurzel]

Are ARB bushes easy to replace as DIY or is it a garage job?

 

[Havok316]

DIY i had a look at mine it looks a 5 minute job give or take

 

[WeeJase]

my moneys on the links. hardest bit is getting the wheel on and off.

 

[wurzel]

Ok... er excuse my lack of knowledge.... I can name the shock spring, wishbone etc but don't know which bit the link is - don't suppose you can draw a few arrows with names?

 

[wurzel]

Doh... Is it the shiney black bit?

 

[Stan 24v]

Yes it is the shiney black bit. The bushes are an easy change mate, I'd defo go with them first, if they dont work then you can do the droplinks afterwards.

 

[wurzel]

I need to find a guide... Will have a search but if anyone has the link to one in the meantime please let me know!

 

[WeeJase]

jack and support car,remove road wheel.
place jack under brake disc and jack up,taking up any weight from the link.
undo top and bottom nuts on the link(save these)wiggle link untill it comes free.
make sure your new one is for the side you want(they are left and right handed).
do the reverse of removing.

to check if yours are knackered,turn the car to full lock un supported,reach in and try and turn the link if it wiggles side to side on its bearings EASILY it's fooked.i have had 4 in 3 years.

 

[gb]

i had a simaler prob with mine a couple of weeks ago and it was the ball joint £45 from stealers. dose it rattle going round an uneven corner if so it could be that

 

[wurzel]

Thanks for the replies... I will have a play in daylight tomorrow and go from there! The car came with an AA Warranty (not sure if its worth paper its written on) but may take that option although if it only costs a £20 or £30 and takes an hour or two of my time then I'll have a go myself.

 

[WeeJase]

iirc the links are circa 25+vat ,so if you can narrow it down first,it may save you a few quid.