AU suspension problem

[needaXYGT]

the car drives fine, but everytime the front left hand wheel goes over a ditch it makes a knocking sound. it was taken to a shop where they tested the supension, but they couldnt find anything. its deffiently there though.
any ideas?

[AK]

Mine used to make a knock in the front and my mechanic changed the D-Bushes and its gone, dont know if it may be them?

[JC]

Originally Posted by backinblack

Mine used to make a knock in the front and my mechanic changed the D-Bushes and its gone, dont know if it may be them?

Yep mine too. Same problem, same fix. Swaybar D bushes would be my guess. Around $20 to fix, and an easy DIY.

[GK]

Originally Posted by JC

Yep mine too. Same problem, same fix. Swaybar D bushes would be my guess. Around $20 to fix, and an easy DIY.

Can you post us a pic of these JC? I think these are the ones giving me the squeaks. I spray some lube on them from time to time to make it quiet. Keeps coming back though.

Cheers

GK

[needaXYGT]

ok thanks.

[needaXYGT]

is this another common problem with the AU, cause i also get the squeaks when its been sitting over night in the cold wether (5deg average)

[JC]

Originally Posted by GK

Can you post us a pic of these JC? I think these are the ones giving me the squeaks. I spray some lube on them from time to time to make it quiet. Keeps coming back though.

Cheers

GK

Coming right up. You really should take them out and grease them - it's the only way to shut them up properly.

[GK]

Originally Posted by JC

Coming right up. You really should take them out and grease them - it's the only way to shut them up properly.

Do these have a split in them JC? If they don't then how do you get them on?

I sprayed them yesterday with motorbike chain lube, much better than the thinner WD40 I used last time!

Hey my 2000th post, cool!

Cheers,

GK

[JC]

Originally Posted by GK

Do these have a split in them JC? If they don't then how do you get them on?

I sprayed them yesterday with motorbike chain lube, much better than the thinner WD40 I used last time!

Hey my 2000th post, cool!

Cheers,

GK

Yep they have a split - pic added to previous post. Just replace them with nolathane ones (around $20) - I think Forte sway bar is 24mm and XR is 28.

[NeishaXR8_347]

AU2 has the 24mm bar.

[GK]

Originally Posted by JC

Yep they have a split - pic added to previous post. Just replace them with nolathane ones (around $20) - I think Forte sway bar is 24mm and XR is 28.

Cheers, that's what I thought they were, but the Max Ellery manual didn't have them shown, everything else though! LOL!

I appreciate the pic.

Now, my SR would have the 24mm bar right? Funny thing, these were replaced by Pedders in January, but I wonder if I damaged them a bit when I changed over the springs. I was concerned about the sway bar. Remember that conversation JC?

I wonder if I wore the bushes a bit, they are after all the red hard plastic items, not rubber. Should I replace them you think, or just take them out and give them a good greasing up?

Two 13mm bolts or such from memory.


GK

[NeishaXR8_347]

If they were replaced not long ago i would just grease them up, there is no reason they would be worn so quick unless they didnt grease them properly to begin with. But you will be able to tell when you pull them out if its just a grease or replacement needed.

Shaun

[AUXRVIII]

I think it may be the upper ball joint, you wont get any freeplay, it will be dry, Ford dealers have a special tool for lubing the upper ball joint.

[JC]

Originally Posted by neishaxr8

If they were replaced not long ago i would just grease them up, there is no reason they would be worn so quick unless they didnt grease them properly to begin with. But you will be able to tell when you pull them out if its just a grease or replacement needed.

Shaun

I agree - pull them out and grease them and see how they go. And yes, I remember the squeaky conversation, GK.

[GK]

Originally Posted by JC

I agree - pull them out and grease them and see how they go. And yes, I remember the squeaky conversation, GK.

Originally Posted by neishaxr8

If they were replaced not long ago i would just grease them up, there is no reason they would be worn so quick unless they didnt grease them properly to begin with. But you will be able to tell when you pull them out if its just a grease or replacement needed.
Shaun

Cheers JC and Shaun,

I'll pull them out and grease them up. Standard grease I assume? I have some Penrite grease (high boiling point) in the shed, I suppose that'd do.

GK

[JC]

Originally Posted by GK

Cheers JC and Shaun,

I'll pull them out and grease them up. Standard grease I assume? I have some Penrite grease (high boiling point) in the shed, I suppose that'd do.

GK

That should be OK. I use Castrol general purpose grease (red lid), and it works fine for most things. I also have a special one for wheel bearings (high temp, I think).

[crossingover]

guys when doing upper and lower balljoints i usually get a needle and inject the lube in you can get large syringes from chemist for around 6 dollars my backyard mechanic mates trick

[GK]

Originally Posted by crossingover

guys when doing upper and lower balljoints i usually get a needle and inject the lube in you can get large syringes from chemist for around 6 dollars my backyard mechanic mates trick

Darn good idea! I'll give that a go too!

Cheers,

GK

[peterban]

Originally Posted by crossingover

guys when doing upper and lower balljoints i usually get a needle and inject the lube in you can get large syringes from chemist for around 6 dollars my backyard mechanic mates trick

This seems like a great idea.
Got any photos of you doing that?

Do you inject from both sides or top and bottom? How far in do you have to get the needle, as there doesn't seem to be much room to get the needle in between to squirt the grease in

[peterban]

Originally Posted by GK

Darn good idea! I'll give that a go too!

Cheers,

GK

Sounds like it might be another GK "how to".
I hope so as I am getting some knocking noises in the front suspension.