Front end suspension/steeering noises

Archives of Posts to the NZ MX5 List back in 2003
Locked
Fiona Hall

Front end suspension/steeering noises

Post by Fiona Hall » Mon Dec 29, 2003 10:45 am

I own a '94 1.8, with around 130k on it, of which I've driven the last 15.
Lately I've been getting some noises from the front steering/suspension which
hopefully list members could help me identify.
What I'm hearing is:
Creaky steering (power steering, fluid levels fine).
'Thonk' from left hand side under tight cornering or bumps.
Creak from right hand side suspension when coming to a halt. Pushing down on
that side when static produces the same noise.

I've also noticed thump/clonk noises when driving in wet conditions.

Any ideas?

Also are there any mx-5 service specialists/experts in Wellington (apart from
the dealers)?

Not being a club member I approach cap in hand and humbly beseech your
advice!

Thanks in advance
Sam Hall

EricW
See my 5 and raise you.
See my 5 and raise you.
Posts: 95
Joined: Wed May 24, 2006 7:07 pm
Location: Whangaparaoa

Front end suspension/steeering noises

Post by EricW » Mon Dec 29, 2003 10:14 pm

Sounds remarkably like worn suspension bushes to me, but at that mileage there
will be a variety of things getting a bit worn, including possibly, shock
absorbers, ball joints and even the power steering seals. Mind you, these
things can all last a heck of a lot longer than this as well. So get someone
who knows what they are at to check it out

Servicing the suspension is generally a job for the experts unless you know
what you are doing and have the right gear.

I would look for a specialist suspension place rather than a straight
mechanic, Midas Mufflers and Brakes did some good work on the front of my
Diamante a while ago, told me what it was going to cost before they started
work and stuck with that price, no surprises. The guys who normally service
the car would not have had a clue about the suspension and I would have been
paying them to learn.

If you save the odd $45 or so from this advice, re-invest it! Come and join
us, we would love to have you!

Regards

Eric West

SLYDIT
Keep calm, Forum Moderator here.
Keep calm, Forum Moderator here.
Posts: 1610
Joined: Sun May 21, 2006 6:18 pm
Location: In the Garage.

Front end suspension/steeering noises

Post by SLYDIT » Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:21 am

Ive heard of the bolts that hold the front subframe to
the chassis can loose thier torque and cause knocking.
also the suspension bolts that hold the arms on(the
ones with the alignment marks) can actually be
setretched by over eager wheel alignment techs and so
this causes the alignment to go out or the bolt to
knock.
Also the brake caliper sliders and brake pads can
ratlle and knock if they dont have any lube on them Hope this helps
Glenn
RED '90 TURBO.
SCARING PRIUS DRIVERS SINCE 2002

Clive Granger

Front end suspension/steeering noises

Post by Clive Granger » Sun Jan 04, 2004 12:39 pm

Shortly after having some gearbox work I had a thump when doing a hard right
turn similar to what you are describing. Turned out to be a brace or
something not dne up correctly when they refitted the box.

Kjellberg, Adrian

Front end suspension/steeering noises

Post by Kjellberg, Adrian » Tue Jan 06, 2004 4:21 pm

What would you recommend putting on the back of the anti squeal shims behind
the brake pads. Glue or lubricant?

Adrian

Locked

Return to “2003”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 16 guests