Loud Knock When Driving

[SnailTrail]

Hi Guys,

After a long weekend changing the clutch and putting it back together again, the clutch is great but I'm now at my wit's end trying to figure out a knocking noise.

The job to change the clutch was very involved. To remove the gearbox involved having to remove the whole subframe/wishbone assembly, which in turn meant having to remove the exhaust. It turned into a whole weekend job, and I finally got it back together yesterday afternoon. I torqued everything properly and I had no left over bolts, which is always a good sign, took it a spin and knock knock knock all the way down the street . Every time I go over bumps or drive on rough roads there is a loud clunking noise coming from somewhere in the front. Whilst the subframe was off, I also replaced both wishbones as the ball joints got damaged when splitting them from the hubs.

Any suggestions as to what it might be? I'm rather certain I tightened the drop links right up, although I will check again tonight, but I'm quickly running out of ideas. I've checked the exhaust, engine mounts, subframe bolts and it's still there.

An interesting thing I noted was that it doesn't happen if both wheels move the same (ie going over a speed bump), which lead me to belive it's something to do with the anti roll bar.

Thanks guys.

[one eyed mick]

Possible a drive shaft has not been full engaged into place be very carefull as if it comes out it will flail about causing mega damage!!!!!!!

[SnailTrail]

Hi guys,

problem solved! There was a drop link bolt not properly torqued down. It was barely loose: pulling on the drop link didn't even make it noticeable, but just by chance i decided to take the droplinks off either side to compare them and as i was undoing the top nut on one I noticed the bottom end squirming around... "ya bugger ye..." I'm just glad it's sorted!

Thanks chaps.