Freelander 1 Upper strut mount?

Hi chaps,

Just wondering what kind of noise the upper strut mounts make when they wear? I’m getting a soft knock on cornering, but have changed all the ball joints and both drop links. Assuming that the noise is not eminating from any of these, what else could this be from???

I have the same noise ....... I suspect its the bearing under the strut top mount worn/disintegrated

That’s what I’m wondering.

And if it is on the way out, I’d be tempted to fit the 40mm lift kit when replacing it

Can you feel it through the floor?

Not really through the floor - or at least not that I recall. Sometimes a slight “notch” in the steering?

The notch sensation in the steering going from lock to lock makes me think upper strut bearings - I had a similar problem on the ZT (but that never knocked)...

The top mount can go loose. It doesn't seem to be that common on the Freelander though. I had a knock that I really couldn't find, until I replaced the lower arm. I then discovered that it was the large rear bush that had split. It wasn't easy to spot, and passed 2 MOTs too. I fitted 2 new arms with new rear bushes and banished the annoying knock.

Both lower arms have been replaced with new Delphi items. But I used pattern parts for the rear bush mounts (perhaps a mistake - but hopefully not). The knock isn't there all the time - bumps don't bring it on - only turning corners. Bearmach ARB drop links have been fitted - but I gather that the ARB bushes can also fail?

This is a relatively low mileage car (84, going 85k miles), so sort of surprised that I am doing wholesale suspension replacement at the moment - but perhaps that is a Freelander thing and may reflect what previous owners have been doing to it (although I doubt any have been punishing it as much as me! LOL)

I've not had much luck with Bearmach drop links if I'm honest. I've had them knock straight out the box. You can test the drop links by simply removing them and tying the ARB out the way. If the knock remains, you'll have eliminated one possible cause.

Yes, I recall the conversations about those links. I should have identified the OEM supplier (are the Delphi as well?)

When I get a chance, I'll give everything a close, thorough inspection. I also need to pull off the undertray/sump guard, as it is retaining plenty of mud still, despite the spray down of the engine bay! Probably a good time to change the oil anyway...

rob_bell said:

The notch sensation in the steering going from lock to lock makes me think upper strut bearings - I had a similar problem on the ZT (but that never knocked)...

Click to expand...

Hi Rob you may be on right track, Iv had / got similar knock clunky noise when turning lock to lock,
my noise seamed to off side front iv changed that side mount and my clunk noise is quieter and moved to near side now
haven't got round to fitting that side top mount yet

One thing to check when investigating clunks on lock, is the ARB being central in the chassis. It's not uncommon for the little collers that keep the bar from sliding sideways to drop off. This allows the ARB to slide sideways and contact the strut. I've got a couple of worm clips keeping my ARB central, so definitely check that out.

Excellent - a few more things for me to check out!