Front End Clatter

finfont

Member
Greetings Everyone:
I would appreciate any pointers on how to locate the source of a noise emanating from the right front area ( suspect wheel well) of my 1972 P6 3500 Automatic (Left Hand Steering). At low speeds, over irregular surfaces, such as gravel, there is a metallic rattle or clatter emanating from the right front end. If the right front wheel hits a pothole, there is a louder, metallic clunking sound. Otherwise, no noise is produced. The car drives wonderfully. Steering is not affected. I've noticed this combination of noises since purchasing the car over a year ago. I've been under the car several times, specifically changing the brakes and the shock absorbers. With the car on jacks, and, the front wheels off of the ground, I've pulled on the suspension members and visually inspected them, but, still cannot find the source of the noise. I know no one can tell me exactly where the noise is coming from, but, I'm hoping for some thoughts as to common problems, and, how to find them. BTW- I am not well-versed in the lingo, I don't know the names of all of the suspension parts. I do, however, have a parts manual and repair manual, so, I can look them up. Many thanks, everyone, and, Merry Christmas!
Drew
 
Check the exhaust mountings and exhaust clearance to the body. (as a general point check the manifold bolts - mine were loose and leaked gas into the car)
 
Check the exhaust mountings and exhaust clearance to the body. (as a general point check the manifold bolts - mine were loose and leaked gas into the car)
That's something I had not thought of. Will do. I have had problems with exhaust bolts prior. Thank you.
 
Steering ball joints. And there are plenty of them.
How do you determine if one of them is the problem? I've been under the car a couple of times. I've pulled and pushed on the arms and did not get any appreciable motion. Nothing is obviously loose. This is what I suspect. I'd appreciate advice on how to confirm the problem. Thank you.
 
That is unknown territory for me. I will get underneath again, and, recheck the suspension parts. Much appreciated. I hope yours came out alright.

Look up inside the springs, you'll see bits of them squeezing through if they're like the removed bush. The one still in place though intact, was very flattened. Replaced with polybushes.
 
How do you determine if one of them is the problem? I've been under the car a couple of times. I've pulled and pushed on the arms and did not get any appreciable motion. Nothing is obviously loose. This is what I suspect. I'd appreciate advice on how to confirm the problem. Thank you.

For the steering ball joints (4 in the steering side rods, and 2 in the track rod across the bulkhead) i prefer to have an assistant move the sterring wheel right-left, while i feel the joints for any play. For the big suspension ball joints you need a suitable lever to check them.
 
For the steering ball joints (4 in the steering side rods, and 2 in the track rod across the bulkhead) i prefer to have an assistant move the sterring wheel right-left, while i feel the joints for any play. For the big suspension ball joints you need a suitable lever to check them.
Good advice. Thank you.
 
On my (left-hand drive) V8 I've had a nice big CLUNK from the steering idler, which was failing. Happened going over, say, a low kerb stone at low speed while turning to the right, typically entering a parking area. If you say you've had noise before and after replacing the shocks, and depending on the items and bushes supplied to you, there's a chance both sets of shock absorbers had the wrong bushes - too small to firmly hold them in place. And do double-check that the bottom mount is as it should be, as mentioned above. The split pin goes in the inner hole.

Edit: Oh, and, unless you have a crowbar to inspect (i.e. pull and pry) all the ball joints, you're not likely to discover much. The (lower) suspension is under some degree of load also when the wheels are off the ground, so hand power isn't enough by far. Also, inspect the four lower arm bushings on the chassis. If you, like I did, have e.g. a steering box leak, at least one of them is prone to oil contamination, swelling and failure.
 
On my (left-hand drive) V8 I've had a nice big CLUNK from the steering idler, which was failing. Happened going over, say, a low kerb stone at low speed while turning to the right, typically entering a parking area. If you say you've had noise before and after replacing the shocks, and depending on the items and bushes supplied to you, there's a chance both sets of shock absorbers had the wrong bushes - too small to firmly hold them in place. And do double-check that the bottom mount is as it should be, as mentioned above. The split pin goes in the inner hole.

Edit: Oh, and, unless you have a crowbar to inspect (i.e. pull and pry) all the ball joints, you're not likely to discover much. The (lower) suspension is under some degree of load also when the wheels are off the ground, so hand power isn't enough by far. Also, inspect the four lower arm bushings on the chassis. If you, like I did, have e.g. a steering box leak, at least one of them is prone to oil contamination, swelling and failure.

Tor- Weather permitting, I'll have a look at it this coming weekend. The shocks are Gazz, provided by Wins. I don't remember any confusion about where the bottom split pin should go, but, I'll certainly recheck. The clatter is consistent and very minor at a slow speed over rough road surfaces. The "clunk" occurs not upon turning at all, but, when the right front wheel hits a hole in the road. Your point about being unable to examine the suspension by hand is the important issue, and, the reason for the post. I simply cannot identify any play or looseness anywhere. My thought is that I may try pounding on the suspension arms with a rubber mallet to see if I can generate movement. What do you suggest as the best way to examine the suspension- with the wheel off the ground, or, with the wheel bearing load? I will check the idler and the shock pin placement, but, my thought is that I will need to replace all the bushes and possibly, the ball joints. Your insights are very much appreciated.
 
I'm not one of the experts on here, not by miles. But a mallet wouldn't work to my mind. Only a crow bar and some clever prying, with wheels on the floor AND up in the air. The idler/steering damper is hard to inspect, but if there's any quantity of oil seepage (not mild sweating) coming out of it, it'll want replacing or refurbing. I believe Gaz shockers might be one of the brands supplied with undersized bushings. Some clever searching on this forum should provide you with, at least, some good reading.
 
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