The dreaded knock on minor bumps

[morphinemitt]

If you're after good tyre prices try www.blackcircles.com
That's where I got mine from, cheaper than anywhere else too.
P.M. me for a discount code of about 5% (no, I don't work for them, but using my code gets you AND me discount!)

Hi,
I have just joined Volvo community as I have recently purchased a P reg volvo V40. its a lovely clean car however, I do have the same sounds from the front of the suspension you mention in your thread.
Someone has said to me it could be the 'roll bar' or 'ball joints'. Appologies but am not technical at all on this.
Can anyone help or advise me on this?

Thanks

[manoman48]

I am in the process of replacing my front control arms and drop links today to try and solve this

[georgehifi]

I think for testing purpose, you should be able to just unbolt one end of the drop link on either side, swing them out of the way and go for a drive and see if it still knocks, much cheaper than buying new ones and crossing your fingers.

Cheers George

[manoman48]

Originally Posted by georgehifi

I think for testing purpose, you should be able to just unbolt one end of the drop link on either side, swing them out of the way and go for a drive and see if it still knocks, much cheaper than buying new ones and crossing your fingers.

Cheers George

Very true. I am just changing mine as a matter of course while the wheels are off. I know my ball joints are shot which is why I am changing the arms. The drop links can be unbolted but take it steady whilst test driving.

[manoman48]

Just wanted to feedback to complete this thread. Having changed both arms and drop links all the minor knocks have disappeared.

Combined with the new Goodyear F1s up front it feels like a new car

Cost of arms and links was £110 posted from a motor factors on ebay. Had to buy a ball joint separator at £4.99 and a £13.99 pair of mole grips to get the drop links off but obviously I have those for any future jobs. Local garage was wanting ~£300 for the job inc. parts so have saved a fortune.

Very happy at the moment

[niloc]

You see - a lot of "scary" jobs on cars aren't so bad. Did you have the tracking checked afterwards manoman?

[manoman48]

Sorry yes, when I had the tyres done they checked the tracking for me and it was 8mm out (apparently 3mm is a lot!). They did 4 wheel tracking for £20. Good job I had it checked as it would have scrubbed my F1s in no time!

Motorway driving is now such a pleasure. Reduced steering wheel play and very little vibration other than what I would expect from a car with such stiff suspension.

It certainly was a scary job, but essentially just nuts and bolts, even if some were very seized. Also I would have been stuck if we didn't have a second car so that I could go out and get the necessary tools. I would definitely do it again though as I have learnt a lot and got a lot of satisfaction on my first knock-less drive in months!