2002 front struts L322

Hi all,

As im sure some of you are aware i have a knock from front suspension i've been trying to diagnose.

Every component has now been replaced except the steering rack. I am coming to the conclusion the new dunlop front struts are at fault (seems to be more the O/S one)
Long shot i know, but does anyone localish have a spare set/old set of front struts in the garage i could try?
It Doesnt matter if airbag is leaking or has a hole in, i just want to run it round the block (even if it's on the bump stops !) as it will give me the answer i need!

I dont want to throw yet another £200 at it to establish it's not the strut causing the noise.
Many Thanks guys, help much appreciated

Anyone got any 322 front struts ??? Anyone planning on changing front struts in very near future?
Willing to pay postage if not local.
Many Thanks !!

Have you tried lowering your car to the bump stops and then taking it for a drive ?

As this will position the suspension components differently and may so help you identify if any other parts of the suspension are at fault

2.0_hippo said:

Have you tried lowering your car to the bump stops and then taking it for a drive

As this will position the suspension components differently and may so help you identify if any other parts of the suspension are at fault

Click to expand...

Yes mate, and had it in all height settings.... Still makes the noise. Worse when weather is cold.
I "think" it's the inside of the struts making the noise as the strut is compressing.... Not the bearing on the top.

Hmmm sounds confusing !

Mine rather knocks at times from the front end even with all new suspension components
Dunlop struts too !!! :/

All control arms / bushes changed

So wonder if we have similar issues ...

My struts were changed in 2011 with Dunlops...I have a knocking noise at the front, but to my knowledge the bushes haven't been changed (certainly not in my ownership) can only assume they were done when the struts were too as when I bought it in 2012, all looking nice and shiny...

2.0_hippo said:

Dunlop struts too !!! :/

All control arms / bushes changed

So wonder if we have similar issues ...

Click to expand...

Didn't make the noise up until fitted 2 X Dunlop front struts and 2 x lower arms & ball joints. Suspension was silent before !!

Since then I've replaced everything else trying to eliminate it.
Even another set of lower arms

Saint.V8 said:

all looking nice and shiny...

Click to expand...

Mine also looks nice and shiny underneath Ant with regards to all the front suspension components, but a foo king annoying noise !!!

Right an update. I Was having a play today and managed to get it to make the noise by pulling up on the wheel whilst she was jacked up. Seems to me like as I suspected, the Strut itself is to blame 'coz it shouldn't be doing this surely??
Here's a quick youtube link;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOLvWtIH-Q8&feature=youtu.be

Thoughts please guys ??

I have a knocking noise from the front but only normally notice it when I get in after it's been parked for the week and I reverse it back off the hard standing area , however I haven't replaced any other front suspension parts. I also have the Dunlop struts that I fitted 18 months ago.

I do have the old Delphi ones in the garage but one if not both are leaking but if you thought you wanting them to try you are welcome but I am in Kent.

Could always email their technical department and ask if its normal

Dunlop Systems and Components

Contact detail

Dunlop Systems and Components

holidaychicken said:

I have a knocking noise from the front but only normally notice it when I get in after it's been parked for the week and I reverse it back off the hard standing area , however I haven't replaced any other front suspension parts. I also have the Dunlop struts that I fitted 18 months ago.

I do have the old Delphi ones in the garage but one if not both are leaking but if you thought you wanting them to try you are welcome but I am in Kent.

Could always email their technical department and ask if its normal

Dunlop Systems and Components

Contact detail

Dunlop Systems and Components

Click to expand...

I have messaged Dunlop via your link so will await their response and inform you.

Many thanks HC will get back to you RE your old Delphi's.
Gutted I threw my old struts out!! :doh:

No bother, they are just in my way and I don't think they would ever be any good even if the bags were replaced but you are welcome to them, keep us posted, if you do a google search there are plenty of reports of knocking dunlop struts

Update;

Purchased 2 X Delphi front struts assm.

Fitted Today, took for a drive and all knocks and noises gone.

So moral of the story......buy Delphi struts not Dunlop replacements.

Really dissapointed in Dunlop, didn't even bother replying to my email.

Anyway, Rangie sorted........for now !!!

Good for you and thanks for the update, the delphi are a bit more money but worth it, it would seem.

robhew86 said:

Update;

Purchased 2 X Delphi front struts assm.

Fitted Today, took for a drive and all knocks and noises gone.

So moral of the story......buy Delphi struts not Dunlop replacements.

Really dissapointed in Dunlop, didn't even bother replying to my email.

Anyway, Rangie sorted........for now !!!

Click to expand...

oh wow, so it seems you have sorted the problem ?

i might have to do the same now, this knocking is annoying !

and only 16 month old dunlop struts !!

I think a warranty claim would be in order if proved to be faulty manufacturing process or material regardless of manufacturers warranty period

I'm pretty convinced the Delphi shocks are of better quality than the Dunlops, ride seems more refined but that could be 'coz the Dunlops were duds.

The method I used to diagnose the knocking noise (need 2 of you ideally 3, 2 to push front end of car down) was lift the bonnet, remove dust caps from top of struts.
Get somebody preferably strong and tall to repeatedly press down on the slam panel and get the struts compressing and get the up down motion going with momentum whilst you feel / hear the top of the struts for knocking.

The knock was very evident on my dunlops, no knocking on new delphis.

Hope this is of help.

That's great, when i run out of life threatening noises to fix i'll have a look, I've not changed any front suspension parts yet and new front CV joints are imminent so will check everything out then
cheers

I have been reading this thread with interest, I fitted Dunlops to my Range coming up for 2 yrs ago. Hippo should remember as he did the diagnostics and reset the suspension for me. I may be on my own on this one and not wishing to temp fate, but (with fingers crossed) no problems with any knocking noises whatsoever.

Maybe, I have just been lucky. Incidentally did you refit the gasket that sat on top of the air spring? and did you tighten the top 3 strut bolts right up with the weight of the car on them?

Alan

acc said:

Maybe, I have just been lucky. Incidentally did you refit the gasket that sat on top of the air spring? and did you tighten the top 3 strut bolts right up with the weight of the car on them?

Alan

Click to expand...

Hi Alan,

It just seems unusual that BOTH the Dunlop struts I had knocked. If it was just one, could have been a dud, but what are the chances of having two duds which makes me question the manufacturing of the struts.

Yes the paper type gaskets were fitted but I think they are only there to stop the corrosion between the two different metals.
The 3 bolts were done up and checked, torqued etc, (6 in total) but it was the actual internals of the strut knocking, not knocking between the strut and the body (difference in movement between the two) if that makes sence ?

HTH