Knocking and Rattling From The Front

DaveyB · Mar 7, 2013

Hi ,

I have noticed a rattling from the front of my car over the last two days. It only does it on uneven roads. But it is very noticeable at low speeds.

Previously I have noticed that when on full lock, either reversing or moving off slowly the car can make a knocking sound. I always assumed this was caused by the LSD and not to worry about.

Should I be worried, and are the two issues related? My only other previous experience of this knocking sound was on my Elise. And that was caused by worn drop links.

chriscoates81 · Mar 7, 2013

ORIGINAL: DaveyB

Hi ,

I have noticed a rattling from the front of my car over the last two days. It only does it on uneven roads. But it is very noticeable at low speeds.

Previously I have noticed that when on full lock, either reversing or moving off slowly the car can make a knocking sound. I always assumed this was caused by the LSD and not to worry about.

Should I be worried, and are the two issues related? My only other previous experience of this knocking sound was on my Elise. And that was caused by worn drop links.

I had this at some point on my car. How do your coffin arms look?

strickers · Mar 7, 2013

It was the coffin arms on mine, exactly the same symptoms. I had them replaced at the same time the M030 kit was fitted, they were in a right state.

BruceLee911 · Mar 7, 2013

Hi I noticed this clicking/ knocking from the front on my 4S.... but only when on full lock and I am doing a three point turn or similar. I just had brakes replaced and asked the mechanic to check out the control arms and links but he said all were ok? So is the steering perhaps?

iver rek · Mar 7, 2013

Ditto, coffin arms on mine. New ones, not OEM, cured it straight away.

P

Gimme Shelter · Mar 7, 2013

Someone's got to ... What are coffin arms? Thanks

iver rek · Mar 8, 2013

The Porsche parts catalogue that I have on my pc calls them 'wishbones'. So-called 'coffin arms' because of their shape. I see Design 911 calls them 'control arms'. I guess someone will add to/correct this.

Paul.

DaveyB · Mar 9, 2013

Coffin Arms it is then. Cheers. I believe you can get refurbed ones from Hartech at cheaper than anywhere else. Anyone have experience of these? I'll do the antiroll bar bushes at the same time.

Any hints for doing these jobs?

Richard_Hamilton · Mar 9, 2013

You can buy the OE TRW ones from places like Type911 as cheap as the exchange ones.

http://www.type911shop.co.uk/shop/article_1872/996-Front-_-Rear-Wishbone-OEM.html?sessid=3ENksr1tCours8yU3C9Yybz7YEqYDvLKbBtuig0ADJlZOQYlHxi22oocMHAuCfac&shop_param=cid%3D1044%26aid%3D1872%26

I wouldn't rule out drop links. If you disconnect the lower joint on one side you can often feel if there is any play in the system.

strickers · Mar 10, 2013

Chris at Center Gravity used TRW on mine, as far as I could tell they came from the same production line as Porsche ones, they just had the emblem ground off!

chriscoates81 · Mar 10, 2013

ORIGINAL: strickers

Chris at Center Gravity used TRW on mine, as far as I could tell they came from the same production line as Porsche ones, they just had the emblem ground off!

Same here, oh and theyre around 100 quid less[

]

DaveyB · Mar 12, 2013

As Richards link (thank you) has such a great price, I will replace the arms, bushes and the drop links. A front end freshen up for summer. But on another site it mentioned different arms (Coffin arms) for Litronics. Apparently to do with height sensor mountings? Or have I misread?

Richard_Hamilton · Mar 12, 2013

As far as I can remember the plastic bracket for the Litronic sensor 'drop link' just clips on to the wishbone. I don't think they are different.

DaveyB · Mar 14, 2013

So that I don't completely empty my saving account. I will replace the drop links first. But I did see an article on Piston heads where someone mentioned that the clicking was caused by worn forked arms and note the Coffin Lids? Or am I barking up the wrong tree. The article had a brill picture of the front suspension assembly, unlike my 996 maintenance manual CD.

Richard_Hamilton · Mar 14, 2013

As Eddie Izzard says in the recycling adverts, "The possibilities are endless".

This picture?

DaveyB · Mar 14, 2013

Nope, your picture is even better. Thanks, it will be used.

Sam Quick · Mar 23, 2013

Hi Richard

any experience or knowledge of

Meyle Porsche 996 998 Track Control Arm

compared to TRW?

Thanks

Mike

Richard_Hamilton · Mar 23, 2013

I guess you mean these: http://www.incarmotorfactors.co.uk/en/1117203-meyle-porsche-996-998-track-control-arm-4160500000.html

No experience, I'm afraid. Very cheap, and made in Germany, so they must be TUV approved (I would have thought). Design911 sell the same thing for £95.

Sam Quick · Mar 23, 2013

Yes Richard

Thats them, only asked as they are out of TRW's which are also cheaper than most.

Thanks

Sam Quick · Mar 23, 2013

Ey up

found it all from Mr Auto and very reasonable including shipping and everything is all TRW too!

http://www.mister-auto.co.uk

Overview of your order;-
Track Control Arm TRW JTC1170 @ £65.80 x 2 = £131.60
Track Control Arm TRW JTC1185 @ £32.72 x 2 = £65.44
Link Stabiliser TRW JTS585 @ £16.90 x 2 = £33.80
Shipping cost : £5.95
Total cost: = £236.79

So thats the front sorted, just need to find the time and slot it all in - suspect easter will be a little dirty!!

Cheers