[alastpa]

So the 147 has started making a loud clicking (possibly a clonk) from what seems to be the right, front corner. This only happens when coming to a slow stop for instance when stop-starting in traffic or stopping at the booms at work or in the parking garage.

I'm thinking it could be ARB bushes or tie road ends. The suspension has become a bit creaky over speed bumps (especially when it's cold) but nothing serious until this. Any ideas on where to look, possible cost and what it could be?

It's on 141 000km right now so not exactly low mileage or new anymore.

 

[Sling]

I had a clonk on my 147's right front once. I struggled to identify where the noise was coming from.

Finally I discovered that the right front shock had a slightly bent shaft - so the shock was not able to travel all the way into the shock body - it got stuck 3/4 way.

I recall hitting a pothole just before it started - not sure if this is your issue - but maybe.

 

[ArthurB]

clonking (as opposed to squeaking/rattling) and that mileage would lead me to suggest lower control arm bushes are tired.

 

[Ian Lusso]

Upper wishbone. Trust me. In the link below, the upper wishbone is the triangular bit attached to the top shock mount. Either the balljoint wears, or the rubber swivel bushings wear and a clonking is heard at low speed. It higher speed, the suspension is sufficiently loaded up for the noise not to be evident.

http://www.italiaspeed.com/new_models/new_models_2003/156_restyling/156restyling_306.jpg

 

[Ian Lusso]

There are threads in the 147 section but read this too: http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-andamp-gt/175522-147-suspension-clunk.html

 

[alastpa]

Upper wishbone. Trust me. In the link below, the upper wishbone is the triangular bit attached to the top shock mount. Either the balljoint wears, or the rubber swivel bushings wear and a clonking is heard at low speed. It higher speed, the suspension is sufficiently loaded up for the noise not to be evident.

YES! This sounds exactly right. Hopefully not too pricey at Alfia :depressed: The ride is quite crashy especially on the front. Those rubber business park speed bumps are my car's nemesis.

 

[Ian Lusso]

They are quite reasonably priced. Buy both.

 

[ArthurB]

you can get a bush kit made by powerflex. they are good but in my experience they squeak terribly after a while.

 

[Guili]

Syd's suspension in Pretoria? I see picso f their workshop and they can match any suspension poly component. They also 'remove' the joints from the wishbones if need be and you won't have to buy the entire unit, I do not however have any experience with them.

 

[ArthurB]

Lance is that where they inject that compound into the joint and it hardens?

Caus that squeaks too after a while and it doesn't last long in my experience.

One thing I've noticed is that if the lower control arms are stripped, they must be reinstalled with Loctite or at least done up FT. I've had them come loose more than once one the 156 with more than one mecchie.

 

[AlfistiGT]

Yes, Syd's suspension is a good tip. They can test your entire suspension and tell you what exactly needs to be done. Unfortunately one can't change the ball joint on the 147/GT/156, its molded onto the wishbone, that's what they told me...

Syd's also have a specialist who makes the poly bushes for them, its molded into the parts and thus has a perfect fit. This is something I will be doing later in the year, all my bushes are worn. Alternatively, the already mentioned Powerflex or Strongflex bushes.

 

[scrgdk]

My car is almost on 240k and I don't have any squeaks (yet), I guess someone did them for me

 

[ArthurB]

My car is almost on 240k and I don't have any squeaks (yet), I guess someone did them for me

probably twice.
okay maybe I've had more wear on mine caus ive only had bussos and I assume they carry a bit more weight up front. but I personally believe that front suspension wear is the biggest Achilles heel of the 156/147/GT cars.

 

[Ian Lusso]

My 156 also never had this except one winter when it made the most horrible crunching sound in the cold, but it soon disappeared and I forgot about it. But 99% of it's driving was long distance freeway driving so the suspension wasn't seeing much abuse.