Problem potholes ...

[Arcachon]

Despite trying to be sympathetic to Mr Morris’s needs, some of the increasing number of potholes can’t be avoided. I’ve begun to notice a clattering sound from the front nearside wheel area when going over poor road surface. (It’s fine on a good road and on cornering.) Has anyone else noticed this? Any ideas where I should start investigating?

I seem to remember reading a thread / detailed technical info on this a little while ago but I haven’t been able to find it again. Does anyone have the link?

Many thanks and “Happy motoring”.

[Dean]

I'm guessing somethings worked loose. If it's not immediately noticeable jack up the front offending wheel and give everything a good tug or tap with a wooden mallet, including the tie bar set up.

[MarkyB]

I'd start by looking at the shock absorber mounting bolts.
Get someone to bounce they car while you examine them.

Don't go mad tightening them up though, the go into a threaded plate which can strip it's threads

[Arcachon]

Many thanks for the replies.

I've investigated and the near side tie bar /rod rubber bushes are squashed and I can turn each by hand. The rod therefore has a bit of play in it and by knocking it (as suggested) I can get the same clattering noise - so the bushes are my prime suspect for now. (The rod itself looks OK.)

The off side bushes are tighter but I'm thinking of replacing bushes both sides. I would appreciate a bit of guidance. Can I replace the bushes with the car on the ground i.e. not jacked up? Is there a choice between poly and rubber? Any suggestions as to supplier? Any other parts likely to need to be replaced? ... I just hope the nuts free off ok.

As you gather, I'm a newbie to this mech eng business so any thoughts will be gratefully received. Thanks again.

Brian.

[Arcachon]

Just in case it helps anyone else... I've found the previous guidance.
It's on the MMOC site under 'Technical Tips' ... 'Clunks'.
It lists 23 (!) possible causes of the rattle from the front end - and my money is on number 8.
Thanks again. Happy motoring.

[MarkyB]

I think Roys idea of having poly on the front and rubber on the rear is a good one.
The worst issue is normally getting the split pins out, if you can't then you can wind the nut off then drill or knock the remains out.

[mike.perry]

To change the bushes you will need to support the chassis on axle stands, remove the front wheels and the front tie rod lock nuts.
Undo the nut holding the tie rod bracket to the lower suspension arm and then remove the bolt holding the tie rod to the bracket. Jack the suspension up until the load is taken off the tie rod and tap it out of the bracket with a hammer.
If you cannot get the split pin out of the tie rod then when you replace it use two nuts to lock the thread

[Arcachon]

Thanks so much to everyone for the very helpful advice.
Onwards and upwards on my learning curve!