Knocking sound from LH strut when turning the steering wheel

[DaBigGinger]

Since fitting new Koni springs, shocks and nylon ARB blocks years ago, there is often a knocking sound coming from the LH strut. It's intermittent, but usually happens when I release the tension from the steering wheel after having it turned right, either when stationary or at low speed. It sounds almost as if something is moving slightly when the tension is released. I've checked the suspension points on this side and the closest I have actually come to finding it is if I put my hand in the cap at the top of the strut when the tension is released, I can feel the knock. Although I can't see any movement anywhere! The spring appears to be secure and seated correctly. I've checked the castle nut and top nut on the strut is tight. There is no movement where there shouldnt be in the steering linkage. The suspension mounting points (ARB, TCA etc. are all tight and secure. I can't think of anything else to check now.

Has anyone got any ideas?

[Ben.lopo]

How about c.v to drive shaft ? It's that on mine lol and are you checking it when it's in the air by hand or on the ground ?

Ben ,

[DaBigGinger]

I thought CV joint knocking was only present when the car is moving. It does it when weight is on the left strut and if the left side is jacked up.

[DaBigGinger]

Oh, and its only one knock. It doesn't keep doing it. Usually it just does it once when the tension is released from the steering wheel.

[PeteG40]

Not a top mount??

[DaBigGinger]

Is there anyway to check it without removing the strut? If I take the top cap off, the rubber appears to be in decent shape. I managed to replicate the fault earlier today with the car jacked up. Now I've got someone to turn the wheel whilst I look around, its stopped doing it 

[Ben.lopo]

Does sound like a bearing in top mount, when I did mine it made so much difference got mine from pete ^^^

[DaBigGinger]

Would I notice any play if it were the top mount? There doesn't appear to be any movement looking at it from the bonnet. Thanks for the input so far 

[JoeH]

I'm fairly certain that is the spring rotating on the base cup, will only rotate under very slow heavy steering, and from my experience clunks back again as you release steering / accelerate.

A top mount would knock over up and down bumps, well that's mine did.
You could just jack car up, grab hold of strut and give it a shake to see if top mount is secure

[Ben.lopo]

I'd say bearing in top mount won't be loose but worn

[Alexiskayak_7]

I'm fairly certain that is the spring rotating on the base cup, will only rotate under very slow heavy steering, and from my experience clunks back again as you release steering / accelerate.

A top mount would knock over up and down bumps, well that's mine did.
You could just jack car up, grab hold of strut and give it a shake to see if top mount is secure

I have the same issue mate as mentioned at the first paragraph. How the hell you solve this problem?

[JoeH]

mmm I never actually solved it, but fairly certain it came about when tightening the very top strut nut (one can see when bonet open) too much, then you have too much compressive force against rubber top mount which resists the turning force and cause spring too move.

But i'm not 100% on the above.

[DaBigGinger]

I have just checked the spring - I can try and move it about all I like and there is no play in it whatsoever. I'll replace the top mounts in the winter (my maintenance period) and see if that sorts it. I only do a few hundred miles per year, so I'm not to concerned at the moment.

The one thing I was wondering, I am due an mot in a few weeks. If it does decide to make a knock sound then, is that likely to cause it to fail, or should it be okay as long as there is no noticeable free play?

[Alexiskayak_7]

mmm I never actually solved it, but fairly certain it came about when tightening the very top strut nut (one can see when bonet open) too much, then you have too much compressive force against rubber top mount which resists the turning force and cause spring too move.

But i'm not 100% on the above.

I have replaced top mounts, i have insulated the edges of the springs with rubber hoses, nothing stoped the noise.
To be honest i quit looking for a solution i fed up...
I will loose the upper nuts and have a look if it continues...

[DaBigGinger]

I just got an advisory on my MOT for slight play in the top mount bearings, so a new set has been ordered  Thanks for the help and suggestions!