My daughter has dumped her Ka (2002 Collection) on me with a knocking noise to resolve.
Crossing any kind of pothole of gulley at low speed there is a distinct deep knock. Only happens at low speed and forward or reverse. It can also be felt turning the wheel partially side to side.
I suspected the drop links, so did them anyway as it's only a 10 min per side job - no difference.
Bearings feel solid and I can't feel any play in any ball joints.
My only clue is that on the drivers side there seems to be some play into the end of the rack.
When I had knocking it turned out to be my wishbone bushes. had the left and right replaced as they said it looked like it would happen to the left side soon anyway! My latest problem feels like the drivers side front wheel is going to come off! not driven it for over 2 weeks now!
Thanks for the input. Found 2 things - the NS suspension top mount and some play in the end of the steering rack so going to fix both then should be sorted
It's very common for wishbone bushes to be worn on Ford Ka's. They cause an awful 'clunking' noise when accelerating and sometimes braking. I would doubt there is much play in the steering rack, though I could be mistaken.
The best things to renew would have to be the wishbone bushes - or the whole wishbone depending on what is economical for you. Also, the top-mount bushes as they wear very quickly as they are made from quite a soft compound. Finally the drop links and anti-roll-bar bushes and these wear quite quickly as well and can be the cause of some dreadful noises.
Thanks Mr Tall No noise whatsoever on accel or decel, just crossing bumps and holes. Done the top mount too as that was well mashed up but same noise. There's def play in the end of the rack so will pull that to bits to see what's up, when I get time then onto the wishbone bushes if still evident
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