Front end suspension squeaking and crunching

[Edgar]

Hi Everyone,

My R4 sounds like a horse carriage rather than a car because of crunching sound in the front end. Normally, I find this to be great part of the character, but its really too much. I wake up the neighborhood at night with it.
I was wondering if any of you could identify the source of this sound. I thought it was the shock absorbers, but then I saw on the forums that people mention torsion bar bushings, spring bushings or something else. I have the video of how it sounds:

https://uniri-my.sharepoint.com/:v:...5HtLvd2ssBhosB7Jb_fwyqy4HO0jEZml2MOg?e=nV9voM


Thanks in advance,
Edgar

 

[JonathanT]

Hi Everyone,

My R4 sounds like a horse carriage rather than a car because of crunching sound in the front end. Normally, I find this to be great part of the character, but its really too much. I wake up the neighborhood at night with it.
I was wondering if any of you could identify the source of this sound. I thought it was the shock absorbers, but then I saw on the forums that people mention torsion bar bushings, spring bushings or something else. I have the video of how it sounds:

https://uniri-my.sharepoint.com/:v:...5HtLvd2ssBhosB7Jb_fwyqy4HO0jEZml2MOg?e=nV9voM


Thanks in advance,
Edgar

Arthritis ?

No seriously I reckon bushes on the wish bones

 

[ecurb.renots]

To be certain try spraying some silicone spray or washing up liquid on the bushes and see if that reduces the noise if it is you know for definate that is your trouble

 

[jcarruthers2]

Hi Everyone,

My R4 sounds like a horse carriage rather than a car because of crunching sound in the front end. Normally, I find this to be great part of the character, but its really too much. I wake up the neighborhood at night with it.
I was wondering if any of you could identify the source of this sound. I thought it was the shock absorbers, but then I saw on the forums that people mention torsion bar bushings, spring bushings or something else. I have the video of how it sounds:

https://uniri-my.sharepoint.com/:v:...5HtLvd2ssBhosB7Jb_fwyqy4HO0jEZml2MOg?e=nV9voM


Thanks in advance,
Edgar

Hi Edgar

That sounds like a bottom ball joint squeak. Jack up the car. Check for play (movement) in ball joint. If there is play, you would need to change the ball joint as it could become unsafe. If there is no play, check the ball joint rubber for tears or splits which would mean you have lost some grease and the ball joint would have become dry and hence the squeak. A quick test to check this is the problem would be to slightly lift the rubber and squirt a penetrating oil such as wd40 under the the rubber. If the squeak goes away temporarily, you will know it is the ball joint.If this is the case change the rubber and/or apply an adequate amount of grease to the ball joint/inside rubber.

 

[jonigel]

I second the above , the ball joints have worn ,but you can not put grease in them they are sealed for life all the gaiter does is keep the dirt out.
It should be changed sooner rather than later ,worst case it can come out of its socket.

 

[Edgar]

Thank you all for such quick replies.

It is difficult to identify the direction of this sound .But..?.. It probably is indeed a ball joint ! (photos attached) I changed it at Renault shop some 8 years ago and since then I put 25K Km on it. I am surprised that it did not last longer, but then again, it is an aftermarket part. I also failed to mention that the steering axle rubbers are worn out. But the important thing was to isolate the issue, at least partially and eliminate the possibility that it is due to shock absorbers.

 

[ecurb.renots]

It looks as though the rubber seal has perished letting the grease dry out which has aided its premature failure.