S40 1999 1.8 - Intermittent but often Dull knocking - Page 2

julianps · Nov 23rd, 2011, 08:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robmac999

I had a similar knocking noise from offside front, turned out to be the top suspension bearing assembly. I'm now starting to hear a noise from the nearside and I suspect it now needs replacing too.
I think it's easier (and cheaper) to do the drop links as a first resort as the anti- roll bar bushes need the front sub-frame dropping.
Good luck, robmac

2000 S40 1.6 XS

My immediate thoughts were either loose radiator(s), steering column/rack, ARB bushing or suspension mount bearings but is it worth dropping the tray off the bottom and checking you've not got a broken engine mount?

ElGreco · Nov 24th, 2011, 02:32

Hi,

I have an S40 T4 2000model and used to get the same noises from time to time. Initially i thought it was somehing related to the steering system or suspension...

Guess what... it was the steering fluid! I had to add steering fluid and the noise disappeared! There must be some small leak of steering fluid in my case.

Have a look at your steering fluid level and add some if required and let us know if the problem is solved please.

makedo · Dec 18th, 2011, 12:20

Thanks for all the suggestions I have shook rattled and tested every part under the car, The steering fluid is fine, the rubers look alright. I initially thought it was the exhaust but that is fine.
The noise however seems to be getting worse, as the roads get bumbier the noise is more consistent, I can not see any problems with the springs or drop links or antiroll bar. I've checked engine mountings because we had to drop the engine on one side when replacing cam belt.
If I am on a flat road or motorway there is no noise at all, however my petrol consumption has recently dropped from about 30 to 25mpg not sure why?
I don't think these are related but you never know, or at least I don't but you may --- hopefully
Thanks

julianps · Dec 19th, 2011, 10:09

Did you check your fuel filter has not come adrift?

Volvoline · Dec 19th, 2011, 10:40

Top strut mounts ? Shake the car hard down and up with your ear on the top of the cone. Anything at all ? Should be dead silent.

When they go, there is extremely annoying knocking that makes the car feel like a box of nails and you want to throw it off a cliff and never look at it again,.

I had such a sound, got the top mounts done, then it all went silent but now I have another metallic quiet rattle over long unstable sufraces. Can't Also done drop links.. Not it....
I will let you know if I ever find the cause.

Volvoline · Dec 19th, 2011, 16:16

Alright, got it.
Loose strut mount nut.. Son of a gun !

Off topic quick question: Can you compress a spring safely (not all the way, just some) through the control arm with a 2 Ton hydraulic Jack and a piece of wood ? Will it hold ?

makedo · Dec 20th, 2011, 12:31

Thanks checked fuel pump and that is fine, but keep suggesting.
Thanks

makedo · Dec 20th, 2011, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volvoline

Top strut mounts ? Shake the car hard down and up with your ear on the top of the cone. Anything at all ? Should be dead silent.

When they go, there is extremely annoying knocking that makes the car feel like a box of nails and you want to throw it off a cliff and never look at it again,.

I had such a sound, got the top mounts done, then it all went silent but now I have another metallic quiet rattle over long unstable sufraces. Can't Also done drop links.. Not it....
I will let you know if I ever find the cause.

I'll give it a try but not sure if I can give it a good shake with my ear on the cone

Volvoline · Dec 20th, 2011, 13:24

Can you open the bonnet, and look throigh the gap on the strut top nut while you turn the wheel right to left left to right full locks ? If its going off center in any way while the nut is spinning, then your mounts are shot.

Clan helped me figure that out and my car drives so much nicer now

Just passing it on

makedo · Feb 19th, 2012, 21:16

Thanks for all responses. It did turn out to be the drop link however it was on the nearside and I could have sworn the noise was coming from the offside. Unfortunately I only found this out when it failed its MOT and also failed because of excessive wear on the bearing at the top of the nearside suspension. So well done both it looks like I had both problems you identified, now all I need to fix is the excessive travel on my brake pedal.

Nov 24th, 2011, 02:32	#12
ElGreco New Member Last Online: Dec 20th, 2017 17:42 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ATHENS	Steering fluid Hi, I have an S40 T4 2000model and used to get the same noises from time to time. Initially i thought it was somehing related to the steering system or suspension... Guess what... it was the steering fluid! I had to add steering fluid and the noise disappeared! There must be some small leak of steering fluid in my case. Have a look at your steering fluid level and add some if required and let us know if the problem is solved please.

Dec 20th, 2011, 12:31	#17
makedo Junior Member Last Online: Feb 15th, 2015 16:30 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Warrington	Thanks checked fuel pump and that is fine, but keep suggesting. Thanks Last edited by makedo; Dec 20th, 2011 at 12:31. Reason: mis spelt

Dec 18th, 2011, 12:20	#13
makedo Junior Member Last Online: Feb 15th, 2015 16:30 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Warrington	Thanks for all the suggestions I have shook rattled and tested every part under the car, The steering fluid is fine, the rubers look alright. I initially thought it was the exhaust but that is fine. The noise however seems to be getting worse, as the roads get bumbier the noise is more consistent, I can not see any problems with the springs or drop links or antiroll bar. I've checked engine mountings because we had to drop the engine on one side when replacing cam belt. If I am on a flat road or motorway there is no noise at all, however my petrol consumption has recently dropped from about 30 to 25mpg not sure why? I don't think these are related but you never know, or at least I don't but you may --- hopefully Thanks

Dec 19th, 2011, 10:09	#14
julianps Master Member Last Online: Mar 28th, 2023 16:33 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Aberystwyth	Did you check your fuel filter has not come adrift?

Dec 19th, 2011, 10:40	#15
Volvoline Master Member Last Online: Dec 31st, 2016 22:43 Join Date: May 2011 Location: JER	Top strut mounts ? Shake the car hard down and up with your ear on the top of the cone. Anything at all ? Should be dead silent. When they go, there is extremely annoying knocking that makes the car feel like a box of nails and you want to throw it off a cliff and never look at it again,. I had such a sound, got the top mounts done, then it all went silent but now I have another metallic quiet rattle over long unstable sufraces. Can't Also done drop links.. Not it.... I will let you know if I ever find the cause.

Dec 19th, 2011, 16:16	#16
Volvoline Master Member Last Online: Dec 31st, 2016 22:43 Join Date: May 2011 Location: JER	Alright, got it. Loose strut mount nut.. Son of a gun ! Off topic quick question: Can you compress a spring safely (not all the way, just some) through the control arm with a 2 Ton hydraulic Jack and a piece of wood ? Will it hold ?

Dec 20th, 2011, 13:24	#19
Volvoline Master Member Last Online: Dec 31st, 2016 22:43 Join Date: May 2011 Location: JER	Can you open the bonnet, and look throigh the gap on the strut top nut while you turn the wheel right to left left to right full locks ? If its going off center in any way while the nut is spinning, then your mounts are shot. Clan helped me figure that out and my car drives so much nicer now Just passing it on

Feb 19th, 2012, 21:16	#20
makedo Junior Member Last Online: Feb 15th, 2015 16:30 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Warrington	Thanks for all responses. It did turn out to be the drop link however it was on the nearside and I could have sworn the noise was coming from the offside. Unfortunately I only found this out when it failed its MOT and also failed because of excessive wear on the bearing at the top of the nearside suspension. So well done both it looks like I had both problems you identified, now all I need to fix is the excessive travel on my brake pedal.

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