Clanking Noise

[gus]

Hi folks,

the old girl has just started a funny clanking noise. this sound is coming from the front drivers side wheel or just behind it.

when driving at any speed, the slightlest bump or undulation in the road and you get a metalic clanking type sound. the only way i can think of discribing it is the same as the sound the old type wheel trims used to make if they werent fitted properly. (ie the plastic holders scrapping on the steel rim)

unfortunatly i have alloys as most of us do so it cant be that

thoughts so far

1. suspension busher

2. track rod ends

3. suspension springs

4. or worst case under flooring giving way

5 any TOC suggestion

thanks for any diagnosis in advance

[dvspeter]

Hi mate

Assuming your steering isnt affected at all lately (checked for excessive free play at the wheel??), the first check I'd do is to make sure all the bolts in your suspension system are tightened to the correct torque - esp the ones holding your stabiliser bar in place. If you find something loose then at least you dont have to fork out money. Of course if you dont find anything loose then you're probably looking at worn rod-ends or bushes. You can probably narrow it down by opening the bonnet and getting someone to get behind the wheel and turn it left and right...if the bush moves with the wheel then you know its worn, otherwise you should probably suspect your tie-rod ends.

As for the underfloor giving way, trust me on this one, you'd hear a helluva lot more complaining from your car than just a clanking noise. Eg your car would be groaning when you so much as turn the wheels, and you'd probably find it a bit more difficult to keep the thing in a straight line...

hope this helps,

pete=)

[gus]

Thanks pete thats a real help. she is going down to toyota today for a diagnosis so will let you know the outcome.

sounds like it may not be as drastic as i first thought.

[TS Flea]

I'm thinking strut bearings.... :arrgg-matey: