[danoasis]

Hi everyone would really appreciate some help from the experts on here.
I have an Alfa 156 52 plate 1.8 t spark veloce.
I have noticed last few weeks knocking going over bumps and road imperfections.
So i took it to my garage anticapating it being drop link or upper and lower arm replacement BUT the mechanic checked over all the suspension and found no movement or play in any of the suspension parts.
He seems to think that it could possibly be something to do with the steering rack as when the car is turned off and and stationery if you shake the wheel from side to side you can hear the knock and it sounds and feels like its from the steering
Any advice would be gratefully appreciated !!!!

Thanks
Danny

 

[john09]

Hi,

If you grab hold of one of the front wheels at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position and wiggle the wheel, is there play and that knocking noise?
If so I would say the tie bar that comes out of your steering rack needs replacing (approx £17 eBay)
Be careful because the garage may suggest a new steering rack £££££

Buy the part off eBay and give it to them to fix on (easy job)

Mines in for the same thing but is under warranty and i don't care if they change the steering rack if i'm not paying.

 

[Eyespy]

Hi

Got a similar problem on my 156 55 jtdm, the noise i get is at 60mph all tyres are new and wheels balanced, no shake on the steering but MAN one heck of a vibration like the wheels are wobbling off and only when i accelerate, if i accelerate hard i feel like the wheels are pulling in 2 different directions. When i hold the front wheels at 3 and 9 and waddle they move and i hear noise.

Does this sound familiar

Can anyone help please.

 

[samuelo]

probly a drop link... is it most audible with steering wheel to left or right? thats the one that needs replacing....

 

[sprint_veloce]

Eyespy your problem sounds like a driveshaft - check threads on here about 2.4's

 

[john09]

Eyespy I really think yours is the Inner Steering Tie bar, this causes the play when you grab the wheel.
Basically you have one wheel which will flop around when driving, may be fairly quiet on a flat road cruising but go over a road at a slower speed with uneven surface and you will hear knocking?
Jack the car up at the front and get a friend to hold the wheel at 3 and 9 Oclock while you hold the tie bar from the steering rack, this will confirm if i'm right or wrong.
You should feel the knock from the worn ball joint of the tie bar attached to the steering rack.

Let me know either way.

 

[Eyespy]

Hi
Got new drive shafts both sides this did not cure the problem, new wish bones wheel discs and pads, new wheels and tyres all been balanced.

Thanks

 

[Eyespy]

Hi
Just ordered inner tie rack bars to steering rack and new tie ends and gaiters..mmh
Are these the parts you mean?
Thanks

 

[Eyespy]

Hi
I have no play or vibration through the steering wheel, so i did have new drive shafts both sides fitted . no change.
Thanks

 

[john09]

Hi Eyespy,

Yes these are the bits I was talking about.

John

 

[Eyespy]

Thanks John
I will keep you posted as to if this was the cure.
Gary

 

[john09]

I've just had a call from my local Alfa dealer who say I will need a new steering rack (under warranty) because the Steering inner tie bar ball joint is worn.
I did say they can just replace this part for £17 but they said that because it's under warranty you might as well accept the steering rack.
I guess the garage make more money because in the 3rd year the warranty is covered by another company, I know Alfa don't supply the inner tie bar and will only supply the complete rack.
Had this before with bushes, you find many manufacturers will supply you a complete unit for £100's saying they can't replace the bushes.
Often these bushes can be picked up for small money.

Food for thought... Always find out which part has actually failed and keep digging (google) to find out as much as possible, then make decision.

 

[Eyespy]

Top arms i am told, in to see the Docs tomorrow for new, he refused to fit the track inner and outers, no play at all so did not waste my time or his.
He showed me the movement in the bushes more on the right than left.
I did say i had new fitted, well they have gone again.