Front End Banging

[neophyteguy]

Howdy,

For quite some time now, I've been throwing time and money at my 71 Ex Mil 109" S2a trying to sort out a front end noise I'm getting. The noise is actually a banging noise that happens when the suspension hits a bump.

-the noise is not a popping noise, it's a bang as in metal on metal hitting with force

-the noise is definitely from the middle to left hand side of the vehicle

-I've replaced all chassis bushes, motor and gearbox mounts, etc

-the bell housing is very close to the cross member, but I've read this is how things are. I thought this might have been the issue before I read it's pretty close in there. Mine is so close I can't get a finger underneath it........

-none of the ball joints have any sloppiness in them as far as I can tell

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,
JRW

[Johnno1969]

How well well packed are the road spring leaves?

Do you "feel" any impact or is it just sound?

[Ancient Mariner]

Swap the shocks see if the noise changes side

[Barefoot Dave]

can't.....stop......must.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/Zepherian/sexyvolvo.jpg


;):wasntme:

[Barefoot Dave]

can't.....stop......must.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/Zepherian/sexyvolvo.jpg


;):wasntme:

[neophyteguy]

Johnno,

The leaves were taken apart, lightly sanded, painted and also have a layer of PTFE tape between each spring (thanks Terri Ann!). I did this in an attempt to sort the noise issue. It certainly rides better, but the noise is still there.

I can feel the impact, but not through the steering wheel.

AMariner, I've been thinking the same thing. The shocks only have 5K miles on them (Boge I think) and I've looked where they bolt/pin on and I don't see any paint wear marks where the metal has been hitting. Bought some new shocker rubbers just in case, but can't see as there needed. I was actually thinking about disconnecting the left shock and taking it for a drive to see if the noise stops.

Also, I put a piece of rubber between the bell housing and the chassis cross member yesterday but the noise was still there. However, on the way home just now I was hitting corrugations, etc. and the noise wasn't there. I'm now wondering if the housing is actually hitting or if I'm just suffering from a "placebo effect".

I'm alright to drive with the shocker disconnect right?

Thanks guys!
JRW

[Johnno1969]

Johnno,

I'm alright to drive with the shocker disconnect right?

Thanks guys!
JRW

Fine to take it for a drive without the shockie.

It sounds like your springs are very clean and tidy! I was just wondering if possibly there was some movement against a spring retaining clip creating a noise.

Johnno

[neophyteguy]

I just had a look and the shocks which are on it (Boge) have the following specs:



BOGE

▷▷▷ Shock Absorber
Nr art: 32-766-4
EAN: 40 10305 05534 2
automatic Shock Absorber
Fitting Position: Reinforced Version: Axle Vers.: 109", 119" mm

I'm thinking perhaps it doesn't have the right shocks on the front?

Any ideas? Also planning to ask in REMLR

[neophyteguy]

I've been looking and can't tell if I've got the right shockers or not......
Any ideas?

[gromit]

Sounds like the shock absorber could be getting to full extension when you rebound from a bump.
Military shockers would be longer than civilian because of the longer spring hangers which lower the axle.

The idea of running (cautiously) without front shockers seems like a good starting point.


Colin

[neophyteguy]

Colin,
I think you're on to something....Although I went out of my way to "try" and find the right shocks initially, it looks like I've ended up with standard length shockers.

I took the bottom pin off today and extended the shock fully. It was only about 10mm past the mount when fully extended, so I'm sure that's the banging.

I've just ordered some One Ton front shocks which should be here mid next week. I'm certainly hoping this gets me sorted....

Cheers!
JRW