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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Suspension knocks and rattles
        
(Message started by: Technology2005 on Mar 19^th, 2012, 8:19pm)

Title: Suspension knocks and rattles
Post by Technology2005 on Mar 19^th, 2012, 8:19pm

My 95 2.0 Scorpio Saloon has in recent years been nicknamed first "Thumper" for it rather harsh gear change (now sorted with a new VSS module) and then latterly as "Rattler" for it's very noisy suspension!

For the past 2 years the car has had noticeable knocks and clattering noises from underneath and yet it has never failed an MoT due to whatever it is that is causing this.

It has had both wishbones replaced (including the rearward bushes) and the link rods. At no time has this set of noises diminished and in recent months they are markedly worse. Despite this the car passed it's MoT last week - even though I asked the tester to be particularly vigilant with regard to the suspension due to these noises!

The rattles, clunks etc are very noticeable on uneven surfaces and potholes etc.

I'm still amazed that the MoT testers and my usual mechanic are scratching their heads at the source of the noises!

What other bushes or parts should I be suspecting as the culprit(s)?

According to my mechanic he's checked the roadsprings, and he cannot feel any play in the top strut mounts (although he had previously thought it may be those causing the noises)

David

Title: Re: Suspension knocks and rattles
Post by Simmo on Mar 19^th, 2012, 9:02pm

Anti roll bar bushes?? Look at 4 and 5 Here (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/manual/suspension/FSuspStabiliser.pdf). If you decide to replace the bushes be aware that the design has changed. The 'old' ones have a recess into which the shaped clamp fits. The new bushes are flat and consequently you need the new style clamp as well. :)

Title: Re: Suspension knocks and rattles
Post by Tompion on Mar 20^th, 2012, 5:03pm

Are the shrouds on the rear dampers metal or plastic? When I changed my dampers the originals shrouds were plastic but the replacements had metal shrouds that rang like a bell over some bumps. With the rear jacked up I wrapped some tape round the damper immediately below the shroud, this goes inside the shroud when you lower the car & helps stop it hitting the damper body. I also wrapped some tape around the shroud to dampen the bell-like ring.

Title: Re: Suspension knocks and rattles
Post by Technology2005 on Mar 25^th, 2012, 7:30pm

Thank you for your replies gentlemen.

And the winner was.......

Anti Roll Bar Bushes ;D (with a little help from the offside Drop Link!)

The old anti roll bar bushes were as soft as anything so I replaced them (and the drop links as I found the drivers side one top balljoint to be loose) You couldn't detect movement in the drop link whilst on the car but as soon as I removed it the free play was immediately obvious.

Nice to be driving with no rattles for the first time since 2010 :)

Now to sort the ABS light........

David

Title: Re: Suspension knocks and rattles
Post by Technology2005 on Mar 25^th, 2012, 7:34pm

on 03/19/12 at 21:02:38, Simmo wrote:

The bushes I used were from ebay and listed as suiting the Scorpio (but not the 2.3 or 2.9) and Mondeo 2.0 1993-2000.

These were recessed much like the ones already on the car and a perfect fit. Better still they only cost £4 the pair delivered which I didn't think was too bad!

David