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Followup To
Question -
Hello,
I have noticed tha when I turn right I can hear a banging noise coming from the front right wheel. I do not believe it comes from the ball bearing as I changed them and the noise is still there. When I stress the suspension (shaking the car up and down) the same happens. The noise come with a slight vibration that can be felt in the lower arm of the suspension. Could this be due a worn/not lubricated bushing? Or do you think it could come from trunnion? Many thanks for your comments.
Andrew
Answer -
Andrew,
When you're making a right turn is it a constant noise? Or just once when you make the turn?
It could the the rubber suspension bushings. It could be the trunnion but that's not normally what happens before they fail.
The best thing to do would be to enlist the help of a friend who can shake the car while you try to pinpoint the source of the noise.
Cheers,
Jim
Thank you for your quick answer! It is not a constant noise when turning, it is a few separate bangs and it stops while I continue turning. I have the feeling that a frictional stress builds up and snaps when it gets too high. What signs do trunnions give before they fail?
AnswerAndrew,
It really sounds more like the A-arms are shifting on worn bushings. Trunnions either sieze (no oil) and squeak or when worn badly enough the vertical link simply pulls out of the trunnion.
The advantage to the Spitfire suspension is that it can be dissasembled without a spring compressor, as long as the front shock and it's upper bushing are in good shape.
The downside is that there is a rubber bushing in the top spring cap on the shock absorber that also deteriorates... and it can be a source for your "clunk".
It's not a bad idea to prop the front end of the car up, remove the wheels and make sure all the suspension bolts are tight.
Cheers,
Jim
