1.8 GL suspension issues

[Wayne]

Spring plates are the ones off the original shocks.

As an experiment, I used a spare spring plate and some rubber to space it to replace the top cap, meaning it clamps down on the tower tight, rather than having the gap. This stopped the knocking!

I know its a bodge, and I have no intention of leaving it like that, but that says to me that there must be something wrong at the top!

Oh and its definitely no issue with the top mounts, I've replaced them and the bearings, but it didn't change anything.

Don't drive your car like that! you will bend the turret.


When you turn left to right your topmounts also move. This is why there is a gap.

Spot on the Gap is needed

[jetblack92]

Yeah, don't worry, I know the gap is vital-the experiment was only over a hundred yards or so, so I can't have done that much damage!

So the gap on my top cap is not abnormal, so why should it be clunking?
Surely if clamping it down tight stops it, it must be something to do with that top cap/mount? Or could that just be a red herring? I've narrowed it down to just the nearside now, but not sure how that helps!

I'm definitely confused with this one!

[Wayne]

Well it could be the shock itself clunking

[jetblack92]

Hmm. Food for thought.
They look in really good nick though, and for the shock itself to be clunking it would have to be fairly heavily damaged surely?
I'm thinking I might try swapping them out anyway-work my way through the whole set up bit by bit!
Cars are frustrating sometimes...