What’s this noise?

[SimmAus]

This could be a regular segment on the forum.
I’m getting a strange noise and vibration from front suspension under braking only.

So, under mild braking:
Steering wheel feels like a left/right pulling (I initially thought this was warped rotors)

This was then added with a soft thumping noise (like the tyre noise when you drive over the road cat eyes). (Not the clunk from LCA, and repetitive under braking).

Any ideas?

Cheers

[Eric SDV6SE]

What age vehicle? Most likely wheel bearings if still original. If under braking check caliper slides and possibly sticking pistons. Check brake pads also

[SimmAus]

What age vehicle? also

Still a baby…MY16 / 105,000 kms

[DiscoJeffster]

Still a baby…MY16 / 105,000 kms

Have you checked the lower control arm bushes. That causes the symptoms you describe

[SimmAus]

Have you checked the lower control arm bushes. That causes the symptoms you describe

Thanks…I have initially discounted the LCA bushes..as these usually cause a clunk noise over speed bumps / hard braking.(well, at least in my past experience)
I don’t get that…it’s only on braking…and more of a thump noise than clunk (very scientific description..I know)..

[Eric SDV6SE]

I found on mine that the upper control arm bushes go too, although this was at 200000km.clunking under braking tells me something is loose or not moving as it should. Need to check all ball joints for play. Suggest a suspension place looks at it unless your going DIY.

[SimmAus]

Just to close out my own question:

Had the LCA replaced today (107k kms) so thought that was a good first step.
Problem fixed

Diagnosed: one ball joint shagged, LCA bushes on their way out.

Rotors and wheel bearings checked…all good.

She now drives like new…happy days…