New here, and I have a few questions

[Hawkesman]

Hi.

I've recently bought a (very cheap!) 2003 75 1.8T as a local runabout. So far I love it, but it does have a niggle and I would be grateful for any advice.

There is a distinct rubbing noise when I go over speed humps. It sounds almost like an undertray rubbing on the ground, but it doesn't have one, and there is nothing hanging down. Also, when stationary, if I gently rock the steering wheel there is a slight knocking noise which reduces the more the wheel is turned. I've checked the anti roll bar joints and drop links and they are all fine, and the D bushes look OK (no obvious signs of wear). So, I'm thinking maybe a worn top strut bearing?

Thanks.

[suzublu]

Check you haven't got any broken springs, common fault. Oh, & welcome

[steveo]

Originally Posted by Hawkesman

Hi.

I've recently bought a (very cheap!) 2003 75 1.8T as a local runabout. So far I love it, but it does have a niggle and I would be grateful for any advice.

There is a distinct rubbing noise when I go over speed humps. It sounds almost like an undertray rubbing on the ground, but it doesn't have one, and there is nothing hanging down. Also, when stationary, if I gently rock the steering wheel there is a slight knocking noise which reduces the more the wheel is turned. I've checked the anti roll bar joints and drop links and they are all fine, and the D bushes look OK (no obvious signs of wear). So, I'm thinking maybe a worn top strut bearing?

Thanks.

Hello and welcome
In regards to the rubbing over speed bumps, Does the car have front mudflaps fitted?
Regards
Steve

[Hawkesman]

Thanks for the welcomes Guys, and the replies!

The springs are OK, and there are no mudflaps. Probably not relevant, but the last MoT stated that the front roll bar D bushes were slightly worn, but as far as I can see they look fine, with no obvious wear or play.

[COLVERT]

As the knocking comes as you move the steering it could be one of the track rod ends.

If it's felt through the steering wheel then you need to hold each track rod end while somebody rocks the steering wheel. If you have a worn joint you will definitely be able to feel it.

[Hawkesman]

Thanks for the thought, but while I had the wheels off I checked for any lateral play in the wheels/steering and as far as I can tell there is none, so I don't think its the TREs. I'll check it again though, just to be sure. Even if it does have play, would that account for the graunching sound over speed bumps?

[COLVERT]

Sometimes the movement can only be felt when the joint is under a load such as when the wheels are on the ground.

The graunching I suspect would come from another source

[Hawkesman]

Originally Posted by COLVERT

Sometimes the movement can only be felt when the joint is under a load such as when the wheels are on the ground.

The graunching I suspect would come from another source

Yeah - that makes good sense.

[hogweed]

There's a rubber pipe hangs down behind the engine - can't remember if it's aircon or plenum drain - but till I trimmed it, I was surprised at the nosie it made hitting things... just a thought

[trikey]

Originally Posted by hogweed

There's a rubber pipe hangs down behind the engine - can't remember if it's aircon or plenum drain - but till I trimmed it, I was surprised at the nosie it made hitting things... just a thought

There are a pair of those pipes, and they should be clipped into a circular plastic clip on either side of the tunnel.