Opportunity knocks! Got a funny knocking sound when you wobble the wheel? If you’ve checked all the steering and suspension joints and found nothing, what next? Here are a few essential extra checks that might help determine the cause.
Let’s take a typical classic, such as the Hillman Hunter. First thing’s first, make sure the steering box and the steering idler are firmly bolted in place and check that the mounting points aren’t corroded or distorted. Next, look for excess play in the steering box. If this draws a blank, get someone to rock the steering (with the wheels on the ground) while you check the suspension arm bolts and bushes for unwanted movement. Sometimes just shaking them by hand won’t reveal a fault. Also check the top swivel joints of the Macpherson struts.
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