2000 Ford Ka Car left suspension noise

DARRMUSC

MEMBER
2000 FORD KA

Hi, I would like to ask a question which I haven't managed to find a solution for for some time now.

I have a Ford Ka 2000 without power steering. Lately when I turn the steering wheel to the left I hear a loud noise coming from the front left suspension sometimes accompanied by a vibration. It happens during the first quarter turn and if I keep turning the steering wheel to the left it stops. Also it does not happen when returning the steering wheel to the center position. This problem is visible most while turning at a standstill (when getting out of parking) or when driving slow (less than 10km/hr).

Another note is that I tried to jack that side of the car and when turning the steering to the left the problem does not happen when jacked. It looks like its only happening while the suspension is under the pressure of the car body.

Many thanks for any feedback.

5 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

A good suspect is the upper strut mount. Reach over the tire and wrap your fingertips around the coil spring, then have a helper turn the steering wheel. You should feel the spring rotate smoothly with the wheel. If the mount is binding, the spring will wind up, build tension, then pop free and turn.

Also look at the engine mounts to see if one is collapsed and deteriorated. If it lets the engine sag, and the two parts of the metal brackets touch, that will transmit normal engine vibration into the passenger compartment. That can be aggravated by turning because it puts pressure on the engine to move sideways.

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Monday, August 25th, 2014 AT 4:07 AM

DARRMUSC

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you so much for your quick response.

I will do the described test this week. However the noise is not similar to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khZ16AOztT4 at 53 seconds. The noise I hear is a very loud continues noise very similar to when you have a home door scratching on the tiles. When this noise is loud enough it seems to oscillate with the body and cause a vibration in the cabin. And funny thing is only while turning from central to left and not from left to central position.

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Monday, August 25th, 2014 AT 5:24 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

There is a tool you might be able to borrow or rent from an auto parts store that borrows them called the "Chassis Ear". It is a set of six microphones, a switch box, and headphones. You clip the microphones to suspect points, then drive around while listening with the headphones. You can move the microphones around to zero in on the source of the noise. Be aware that many mechanics have never seen or even heard of this tool. Suspension and alignment mechanics use it to find rattles, squeaks, and other noises.

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Tuesday, August 26th, 2014 AT 12:09 AM

DARRMUSC

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3 POSTS

In malta a tool like this is impossible to acquire. Where I can load an audio file with the noise if possible? Many thanks.

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Tuesday, August 26th, 2014 AT 2:35 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

You have something unusual going on. Instead of jacking up the car, try looking with it on the ground while a helper turns the steering wheel. You may have a tire rubbing on something, or more likely, a tight ball joint.

You can find the Chassis Ear on Amazon and probably on eBay. Amazon had them for about one third of what the guys on the tool trucks charge. I saw a few a while ago for around $65.00.