Knocking noise

[sloeman]

Hi Ant (or anyone who can help!),
My C15 runs quite well but recently I've noticed a resounding knock when I slow down suddenly, usually when I brake.
I've recently spent a fair amount of money getting the steering bushes replaced so fear the effect garages have on my wallet . Do you know what might be causing this knock and if it is something I could fix myself?

Thanks,
-Adam

[ant]

Hi Adam.
You mention you've had the steering bushes replaced, I'm assuming you're talking about the track control arm bushes? I always replace the complete track control arm ( wishbone in old money) rather than replace just the bush as I've had similar problems with the replacement bush moving when under braking conditions. I'm not saying that is definately the knocking noise as it could be many things as well as brake pads, engine mounts shock absorbers etc but if the noise has only appeared since the work on the bushes I'd start there. Take it back to the garage and be what we call a " since you" customer, and ask them to just check all is well with their work before investigating further.
( A "since you" customer always starts their conversation " since you changed my thingy my what not has stopped working, they're not often related problems but the last man to touch it always gets the blame!)
Ant

[sloeman]

Thanks Ant, I'll amble on over sometime this week and see what they say.

Yes you're right, the control arm bushes are what I got replaced.
The wishbone is just a solid lump of metal, why would that need replacing? Surely it's just the joint?

In grateful ignorance,
-Adam

[ant]

Hi Adam.
The Wishbone is a big lump of metal but I find when you try replacing just the bushes that are attched to the anti roll bar they never seem to be as good a fit as the originals. I therefore don't now ever just change the bush. For a few extra quid you get a new complete wishbone, the labour to change a complete unit is often no different to messing about changing the bush.
Ant