Knock on heavy braking or full lock

[zed4]

Hi guys,

Just a little problem with the car, otherwise it's running perfectly! I hope you can help before I get my fingers dirty.

It's done this for a long time, but it's never really bothered me as it doesn't happen very often, but I probably should get it sorted. The car clunks/knocks when I brake hard, or when I'm manoeuvring at slow speeds at full (or near to full) lock. It's knocking from the front wheels, just the once, like something is loose.

It doesn't knock at clunk at all when driving normally, it's only when braking hard or when I use full lock.

Any ideas? Is it likely to be a ball joint, or a worn bush?

Thanks,

Dan

[Chuffmeister]

Could it be the thrust washers on the front wishbones? Not experienced the symptoms myself, but when I refurb end my chassis, a few of these had cracked and had to replace them. I should imagine that they could fall out fairly easily once split.

[phazed]

Probably a worn lower swivel on the hub, possibly top but the bottoms go first imho.

[zed4]

On the hub itself? That would be annoying.

[phazed]

zed4 said:

On the hub itself? That would be annoying.

Top or bottom swivel on the hub/wishbone.

Jack up, remove wheel and use a pry bar to detect play.

[QBee]

No chance it's the brake pads moving then Peter? What front brake set up does the OP have?

[jojackson4]

Wish bone bush

[zed4]

Standard brakes. It also clunks on full lock, so unlikely to be something wrong with the brakes itself.

I've just bought a complete set of Powerflex poly bushes for the entire car, so hopefully that will sort it! I'll also get new ball joints. I'm thinking I'll remove all the wishbones, strip them down and get them thermal zinc plated and powdercoated/POR15 and fit new bushes and ball joints. Get it done properly!

[Chuffmeister]

zed4 said:

Standard brakes. It also clunks on full lock, so unlikely to be something wrong with the brakes itself.

I've just bought a complete set of Powerflex poly bushes for the entire car, so hopefully that will sort it! I'll also get new ball joints. I'm thinking I'll remove all the wishbones, strip them down and get them thermal zinc plated and powdercoated/POR15 and fit new bushes and ball joints. Get it done properly!

Sounds like a good plan!