suspension noise

rockyracoon

10 Year Member
Nov 23, 2005
874
27
49
margate NJ
I am getting a knocking noise coming from the front of the car when taking off
from a stop,and also when applying the brakes after first taking off.

its like a knocking/banging noise.

I checked the suspension/steering for excessive play,but there does not seem to be any,calipers are tight.

as stated I dont notice any play when grabbing wheel at 9:00 and 3:00 ,and at 6:00 and 12:00.

im thinking ball joints but I cant tell for sure.
 
Jack your car up (get your wheels off the ground) and try to turn the front wheels from side to side without turning the steering wheel. See if there is play there and how much.
 
This may sound stupid, but make sure the air filter housing and intake tube isn't flopping around loose - it can bounce around and smack against the hood with changes in acceleration/deceleration if it's not secured like it should be.
 
GDAWG, Im not seeing any play other than the steering wheel moving,but virtually none to speak of before the steering wheel starts moving.

patman0911, The intake tube and housing seems to be properly attached.

I need to get the car inspected,however I dont want to take it in if there is a chance it will fail.
 
thanks ill check the steering shaft.
I dont think the ball joints are bad,however I think the noise is coming from them,possibly they have become dried out.I may try drilling them and adding some grease fittings.
 
Sounds like motor mounts...my 01 gt did just that when my passenger motor mount completely seperated.It would only make noise on take off/stops or if i really tried to hammer it.

At 1st I thought suspension too,then brakes,then steering..until I jacked the motor up a bit and saw the bad mount.

Worth a look