Clunk when wet???

My 1993 200Tdi has a clunk when moving laft or right when used in wet weather. When dry, no clunk.

I assume this is coming from the steering somewhere. But on inspection can't find anything.

I wonder if it's the pannard rod all solid and the bushes look ok. or the steering damper OME 3 yrs old but the bushes look fine. There are no vagaries in the steering.

Any ideas?



Val.

A-frame ball joint needs replacing.

bluedog333 said:

A-frame ball joint needs replacing.

Click to expand...

Oh, rear axle. Is it an easy job for an ameture?


Val.

Val. h said:

Oh, rear axle. Is it an easy job for an ameture?


Val.

Click to expand...

Decide for yourself

Like most suspension stuff it's not difficult, just heavy and dirty. It's often difficult to separate the ball joint from the holder. You'll find this much easier off the vehicle, if you have a vice and bench to work on.

Just another thought - how are your steering joints in the front hubs? Jack up the wheels and try to move the wheel top to bottom. Any play means wear in the bearings (or bush/bearing on older models)

Val. h said:

Oh, rear axle. Is it an easy job for an ameture?


Val.

Click to expand...

Yes, it’s one of the easier jobs to do. Order the ball joint with fulcrum attached, rather than just the ball joint on it’s own.

bluedog333 said:

Yes, it’s one of the easier jobs to do. Order the ball joint with fulcrum attached, rather than just the ball joint on it’s own.

Click to expand...

And it will be worth getting new bolts at the same time.

If A Frame ball joint order the wide angle with grease nipple version https://www.jgs4x4.co.uk/defender-rear-a-frame-wide-angle-ball-joint/ and use new nuts, bolts & washers as the originals are bound to be rusty/shot. Refit with a liberal coating of copperslip/ceramic grease.