Knocking Sound

[Ben123]

Been hearing knocking sound from front tyres especially over undulating road and humps.Was quite sure it to be worn out shock absorber until someone mentioned it could also be the lower arm bushing. Not sure if anyone has faced similar problems with shock absorber or bushing. How to tell from both? Is 4 yrs abt time to replace both? Some also said as you replaced the front shock absorbers, you should also consider replacing the back. Not sure if this is a good idea.

[Maddriver]

wat is yr ride???

[Octopus]

I think there are bushings at the end of the shock absorber (near the car body side). If those bushings worn-off, there will be some knocking sound like what you've described. It happened to my ride, and I only discovered that my bushing at the front shock absorber had been completely worn-off when replacing the shock absorber.

[Ben123]

Thanks. Does it make sense just to replace the bushing alone? I am trying to avoid replacing unnecessary parts cause mine is a pointA to B car. Could you roughly remember the individual charges for the bushing, shock absorber and the associated labor charges?

[Octopus]

When I replaced my shocks absorber, the whole package was quoted to me lump-sum. So I do not know what's the break-down costs.

 

I think the bushings can be replace separately, but the whole shock absorber would have to be taken out to do so. For this its better to check with the workshops to see if they can quote you the option of replacing shock absorber, so that in case after removing the absorber the workshop/mechanic finds that the absorbers need replacement too.

[Soya]

doesn't sound like a damper problem. possibly worn bushings from the front anti-roll bar.

[Octopus]

Hi. Just something to add on to my post earlier........what I've mentioned is based on my experience with my car, which is a Corolla G6. I'm not sure if different car designed their shock absorber system differently or not, so better let the experienced mechanic advise/troubleshoot your 'knocking sound' problem.

 

By the way, what's your ride?

[Ben123]

Mine is a Korean make Daewoo and hence part reliability could be an issue.

[Pisces69]

Don't under estimate the reliability of your car. It's just some items need to be replaced due to normal wear & tear.

 

I drove a Hyundai auto for 10 years without any serious problems. Damm solid & tough car.

 

Get your mechanic to check your bushings & shocks. If they need to b changed, do so.

 

4 years is about time for these things to go. Not a major problem, just your routine maintenance here.

[Pisces69]

Thanks. Does it make sense just to replace the bushing alone? I am trying to avoid replacing unnecessary parts cause mine is a pointA to B car. Could you roughly remember the individual charges for the bushing, shock absorber and the associated labor charges?

======================

 

Changing 4 shocks sud b about $300 plus incl labour. Try to get original or OEM parts. See if KYB has shocks for your car.Get the Jap made ones not the MY made ones.

 

Bushings cost a few $ each. Labour +- $5 each depending on the difficulty & your mechanic.

Edited February 15, 2005 by Pisces69

[Starlet]

HI Ben

 

I have the same problem "knocking sound" after i changed my absorber .

 

More check found that the car ball joint and steering tie rod end were worn out.

 

Maybe with the new or harder absorber, the joints is more "stress" thus the "knocking sound".

Edited February 16, 2005 by Starlet

[Ben123]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Will check it out with my mechanic. But he has problems finding the parts for replacement. Mine is a daewoo model. OEM is charging me a lot more for labourthe and parts. Not sure if anyone knows of a resourceful mechanic that charges reasonably in Jur area.