2001 Fiesta Zetec-S knocking

[Markb03]

Could this be the culprit?



Other side seems fine



Many thanks

[ohtari]

Most definitely. Even if it doesn't cure the problem, they're cheap and easy to change anyway.

[Justin S]

Just remember to use a proper jack too, to save you from certain death when you change them.

[Kidders]

Nope, although the ARB is a common fail, that bit you show is a support bracket which has slightly detached, both of mine are like that. It doesn't cause any knocking.

Play in the link is easy to detect, jack the car up and try and move it, you could also detach it at the top end and pull up and down to see if there is any play in the joints.

The lower arms are probably more likely the reason for knocking, with the car in the air check the condition of the rear bush in particular as these tend to split and then knock.

Edited by Kidders on Monday 15th July 18:01

[shoehorn]

If you jack it up make sure both wheels are off the floor and straight ahead or there will be some tension in the arb and you will feel nothing.
The only proper way is to check it on its wheels on a level surface,again wheels straight ahead as that is the only time the arb is not under any deflection from side to side.
Also don`t forget to check the D rubbers where the arb connects to the sub-frame as even the slightest play here will result in a heavy knock.
If they are shagged don`t bother replacing them with cheap pattern ones,most have no fibre lining and wear rapidly.