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Advice needed regarding knocking noise!

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 5:49 pm
by Truant
Hi All. I am currently on holiday Europe and my Bongo has developed a knocking noise in the front end which is particularly noticeable at low speeds if the van starts rocking (I am sure there is an obvious joke here!).
I can replicate the noise if I rock the van from side to side myself (comes from both sides but can't locate exact position). Prior to leaving I had one of the drop links replaced so don't think they are the problem. Does anyone know what it might be and whether it would need urgent attention or could survive the journey back to Blighty from Eastern Europe? Sorry if this is all a bit vague but any help would be greatly appreciated.!

Re: Advice needed regarding knocking noise!

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 6:00 pm
by cozmo1589
Have you checked anti roll bar bracketts? one or both could be broken??????

Re: Advice needed regarding knocking noise!

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 7:40 pm
by mikeonb4c
cozmo1589 wrote:Have you checked anti roll bar bracketts? one or both could be broken??????
2nd that. I think the strain of new ARB bushes can tip old u-brackets over the edge into fatigue. Mine went on one side and it produced clonking esp. when cornering one way, due to loose ARB hitting bodywork

Re: Advice needed regarding knocking noise!

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 7:44 pm
by mikexgough
ARB bushes/brackets and Drop links.........change 'em all..... don't scrimp......if ya change the bushes/brackets.......sods law says in 2 weeks you will be changing the Drop links....... while it's on the ramps.....change the lot..

Re: Advice needed regarding knocking noise!

Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 11:06 pm
by gmaczbongo
Check wheel nuts are nice and tight.

Re: Advice needed regarding knocking noise!

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 6:39 am
by Truant
Many thanks for all the replies. I kind of figured it might be the bushings / brackets which is a bit annoying as I asked the garage prior to leaving on this trip to check / replace them however they only did the one.

Unfortunately where I am I can't get a really good look at the brackets (I.E. Take them off) but they don't look visually damaged. I presume however this is something I should sort out ASAP? If so, does anyone know if these brackets / bushings are found on any other vehicles found in Europe (eg Ford Ranger etc) or am I right in thinking I will need to get them sent from the UK. If it is the latter who would you recommend I call to get the parts sent out to Estonia ?!

Many thanks again ...

Re: Advice needed regarding knocking noise!

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 6:50 am
by dave_aber
If your garage changed a single ARB or a single drop link, without changing the partner on the other side, then the first thing you need to look for is another garage.

Changing the bushes and re-using the old brackets (if they are visually OK) is excusable, but not just changing one side on an ARB linkage.

Re: Advice needed regarding knocking noise!

Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 8:47 am
by Truant
I agree about the garage. Thought I had done the right thing as went to one of the recommended Bongo 'specialists' in my area (from the list on Bongo Fury) !

Do people think I need to get these parts fitted prior to returning to the UK (at least a month) or get them sent out? If so, any recommended suppliers that people have experience of shipping parts to Europe?

Thanks again!