Loud knocking behind steering wheel

[aljen]

I have a very loud knock that appears to come from behind the steering wheel everytime I hit the slightest bump. I think it is the bonnet that is bouncing when I hit the bumps but when I try and push it up and down manually it seems quite firm. I can't see anything behind the dash that could cause this has anyone had a similar problem. I did have the bonnet off when I had the car resprayed and was very carefull in aligning etc. when I refitted but can't think of anything else that could cause the knock. Any advice gratefully recieved cheers Alan

[TVR-Stu]

Hi Alan, have you looked closely at the universal joint/joints for the steering. It could be that they are worn or loose and that every time you hit a bump the play in the steering shaft transmits the knocking?

Just a thought but worth a look at least.

[Jed-S]

Check that the bonnet stay is secured at the bulkhead end. There is normally a plastic clip that it fits into and if that is missing or broken then it will bang against the body work and it sounds like it is something in the dash that is loose.

Jed

[Gerald-TVR]

Is the steering column secure, is it movin up/down perhaps check the two mounting bolts. If there is any movement and they are secure it could be the frame to hich the column is fasten working loose, thre bolts to the transmission tunnel and two just behind the A pillar

[Last S4]

I would be looking at the steering ujs and track rod ends too. If its that much of a thud I would want to check all the mechanical joints before driving it.

[Loubaruch]

I am sure that if the steering ujs or a ball joint was worn to a degree that would cause a really noticable clunk there would be an appreciable deterioration in the handling/steering. I once had a slightly worn top ball joint that passed the MOT but caused very eratic steering.

As you say it could be the bonnet. Try wedging some foam rubber under each side before closing and see if that reduces the effect. At least you could then rule out the bonnet if the clunk is still present.

[Barkychoc]

Off the top of my head also check the steering rack rubbers and make sure the rack is secure.

[aljen]

Hi Thanks for all the input I will be going through all your suggestions on Saturday. Will give an update then.

[aljen]

thanks to loubaruch I put the foam under the bonnet just in front of the catches and drove to work 100% better so will have another look this weekend to see if I can make the bonnet more secure. Thanks for all the input