Just had the steering rack end changed and the track rod end but ..

[Leonzee]

Just had these changed on the 172 but there is still a knocking when plodding over pot holes and bumps. It would seem its either the arb bushes or Tue lower ball joint on the wish bone to blame now. I'm going to get them both done so hopefully that will sort it. But my question is which lower ball joint do I need? I've seen posts with people ghetto modding ones with 10mm holes to fit the 172 but I gather I need a 12mm one? Can anyone verify this.

Then there is the problem of the arb bushes. Read a bit about them and some say it isn't worth the extra for powerflex and others cream over them. I'm not tracking the car in the near future but i would like the handling tight. So can someone advise me on those too? Cheers!

 

[Leonzee]

Anyone?

 

[klem]

172 is 12mm ball joint bolts.

For road use I imagine the oem arb bushes would be just fine (and cheaper)

 

[Leonzee]

Update, so I tried the washer mod. Didn't work. I also got the arb bushes powerflexed and they seemed to stop it for a while. However, its back again. So I either think its the arb knocking or the wishbones because after being tightened it stopped and then came back. So I'm going to replace the lower ball joints and hope that solves it. Anyone have any other ideas?

 

[Leonzee]

Anyone got any other ideas on this?

 

[Tigger]

Is it making any noise when stationary?

Do you get a "cracking" noise when whipping the lock on/off in either direction?

 

[Leonzee]

Nope no noise to do with the full lock on the steering.

 

[Dan@SJM]

I can take a look at this if you want. I've got a few free slots next week.

 

[Leonzee]

That would be great mate, I'm going through street twice today though to pick up some wheels so are you available today at all?

 

[Dan@SJM]

Yeh I'll be around. BA16 9SD. SJM is the business name. Ring me first, make sure I'm there as I've got a few bits to collect for customers yet.

07969 124504

 

[Tigger]

If you get sorted, report back

 

[Leonzee]

Well Dan believes its the front shocks as they have started to leak. They weren't leaking a few months back when I got the springs fitted. But at 40k its understandable. So time to upgrade to the cup shocks on the front! While he is at it he will replace the top mounts. Rear shocks are still fine. Hopefully that will sort it!