the perils of speed bumps

[markthe45king]

The lovely lillibeth has a new odd problem.

Kingston is full of those vicious sharp edged speed bumps, and if we catch them wrong at any speed nominally over say 10mph, we get a crashing noise (like something hitting metal) on the drivers side front wheel. We also get it coming off the higher rounded ones, and if we cannot avoid any of the deeper potholes. It's quite a big bumping sound.

The tyres are regularly checked and generally ok, although the drivers front looks as if it may have a very slow puncture as it is regularly slightly lower psi than the others, but there are no obvious tears etc.

any ideas? she's going in for a service soon - so what do i need to suggest to the garage?

[Stig]

I'd check the damper mounting bolts are tight. Then trunions, eyebolt bushes and top bushes.

[stevey]

check also the bump stop to make sure that its still in one piece. I know what you mean about speed bumps!!! Whwn i rule the world there coming up!!

[chickenjohn]

check also the bump stop to make sure that its still in one piece. I know what you mean about speed bumps!!! Whwn i rule the world there coming up!!

agreed, the inner wing bump stop may have fallen off.

[ColinP]

It's also worth checking the rear damper link.

Around Reading there's lots of these bumps (all shapes) and I seem to be going through these regularly.

They're not difficult to replace, but because the bolt part is held in place with vulcanised rubber thay seem a bit delicate for modern roads.

Colin

[MarkyB]

The oil in the dampers is probably ancient and lacking viscosity making them ineffective.
Some new oil wont hurt.

[bmcecosse]

And is the car set too low ? But I agree with the others - check the bump stops (and the rebound stops) - and drain/refill the dampers with SAE 30 oil. You will notice quite a difference!