Front End Banging

**neophyteguy** · 5th September 2013, 01:36 PM

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** · 5th September 2013, 05:19 PM

How well well packed are the road spring leaves?

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

**Ancient Mariner** · 5th September 2013, 06:22 PM

Swap the shocks see if the noise changes side

**Barefoot Dave** · 5th September 2013, 07:03 PM

can't.....stop......must.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3.../sexyvolvo.jpg

**Barefoot Dave** · 5th September 2013, 07:06 PM

can't.....stop......must.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3.../sexyvolvo.jpg

**neophyteguy** · 5th September 2013, 07:09 PM

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** · 5th September 2013, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by neophyteguy

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** · 5th September 2013, 08:39 PM

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** · 5th September 2013, 09:47 PM

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

**gromit** · 6th September 2013, 06:50 AM

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

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