thunk up front

[Eiger]

would worn ARB bushes be the reason I have a thunk sound up front when driving over speed bumps???
(no not at speed...) My ARB bushes do need replacement and they're on the list to do next.

I've checked the wishbone bushes (I replaced the N/S wishbone in Nov so know what that feels like) with the wheels raised and the 9-3-grab technique and there's no movement. I don't hear any thunks or chatter over rough tarmac or other bumps on the road at all, so it certainly doesn't seem like worn ball-joints. But when I hit something headon, such as speed bumps, then there's a thunk sound.

If I pull on the steering wheel there's a little fore/aft movement - is this normal?
If not what's likely needing replacement and is it a difficult job?

thanks!

 

[sulzeruk]

Probably find one of you drop links has broken, most common thing to make a noise under a 944!
Alasdair

 

[robwright]

If youre drop link is broken it will also wallow around when you are driving it. It's not really dangerous just not very pleasant to drive.

 

[Eiger]

"wallow" as in the mysterious "tramlining" some speak of - where the car feels like it's steering offline by itself? I have some of that but I attributed it to the split ARB bushes.

 

[sawood12]

Could also be top mounts.

 

[zcacogp]

If you know your ARB bushes need changing and your car makes thunk noises when going over bumps, can I suggest you change your ARB bushes and see if it solves the problem?


Oli.

 

[Northern924]

And unless you are thinking of going with poly bushes, save yourself at least £20 by buying everything from your local Porsche Dealership.

I've just replaced all bushes on mine (along with the n/s wishbone, Thanks for that Alasdair), and for 2 Inner, 2 Outer and 4 drop link bushes & the concave washers & 2 new lock nuts it only cost me £27.21 INC VAT.

If you were to order that little lot from PorscheShop you'd be paying £66.51 without the locking nuts!!!

 

[Eiger]

thanks Paul, I've ordered them from an OPC.

I was wondering what else I could check while I was completing this job - there always seems to be something else

 

[Eldavo]

You might find that tightening the nut holding the arb onto the arm will cure it too.

 

[sawood12]

might be worth giving the steering rod ends a check over and any of the other bushes - if your ARB bushes are shot then the others wont be too far behind.

 

[Northern924]

No Problem Eiger glad to help if I can and having just done the same work glad I could pass the info on

Its very true, worn ARB bushes can put a lot of strain on the other rubber, was the ball joint that went on mine. I'd say just start with the bushes and see how you go, if you feel like having a spending spree though, drop links and rod ends would be the next step for sure

 

[Eiger]

Okey dokey - I did the deed this afternoon and replaced all the ARB bushes. My initial thoughts are the front end is much more solid - no thunks yet and the sensation that the front wheels were going in different directions has almost gone completely. It's stiffer for sure! So I'm very happy. The usual school run tomorrow morning will be the real test I reckon.