Ford Escort 1.6LX - knocking sound from front left wheel

[claudeballs]

My Escort has started to make a knocking'rumbling noise at the front left wheel. This only happens when I go over slightly uneven surfaces and always when turning corners or going round roundabouts. It's fine on the straight roads.

I checked the wheel and all the bolts seem to be on ok. I don't think it's the bearing(s). A mate says the Wishbone might be worn on the left hand side.

Anyone have any ideas and, if it is the Wishbone, how much to repair?

Thanks.

 

[jj4091]

CV joint?

 

[jonnyfishing]

I know it's difficult to describe a noise so, you need to check for movement at certain points on the car.A rumbling noise will come from a bearing when spinning, a clicking or grating noise will come from the C.V. joint especially when cornering or turning. A knocking noise will come from worn out bushes or a broken "drop link arm". I would start by raising the car and checking the condition of the drop link. Spin the wheel and listen for rumbling(wheel bearing).Have a mate shake the wheel side to side then top to bottom while you are looking for excess movement at the bush mountings also check that bushes have not popped out of the wishbone. The C.V. joint can be checked by driving in circles and listening for clicking/grating noises.A manual will help you identify what I am talking about.If all this fails, take it to a small garage and ask for a quote. shouldn't be too bad.

 

[Belle427]

wishbone and anti roll bar bushes most common on these,a replacement wishbone is inexpensive,not worth bothering trying to change the bushes

 

[philoverton]

i have just had the same problem on my mk6 escort. I replaced both wishbones and drop links. It solved the problem. car is now quiet again.

wishbones are aroun £17.50 each droplinks £7.

if your confident with a spanner they arent very hard to fit.

i suggest replacing all of the worn bolts with new ones they can be bought from a ford dealer for around £2 each for the bolt and hex nut.