Weird clunking noise?

**El Guapo** · 18-03-2010,12:34 AM

Hi other half has a 04 plate 1.4 Seat Ibiza and she said it is making a weird noise from the front of the car. Sounds like something is loose and on full lock makes a springing noise? Could this be a coil gone? Anyone any ideas and how much it could cost? Cheers!

**Crasher** · 18-03-2010,12:45 AM

One or both of the wishbone rear bushes has probably failed, often called the consul bushes. The other possibility is a failed anti roll bar inner bushes. The consul bushes are easy with the proper tools (I have a set to do on Monday I think) but the ARB is much more involved as simply replacing the bushes is only a temporary fix.

**El Guapo** · 18-03-2010,12:48 AM

Hi there! Thanks for the prompt reply! Will take a look tomorrow. You reckon it is ok for her to drive it still on short trips?

**Crasher** · 18-03-2010,10:02 AM

I would think so, I have seen them being driven when they have failed so badly that the centre section has completely separated from the outer and then worked its way off the hex of the wishbone and fallen off onto the road, mind you the steering was interesting. That was on an “on call” doctors Ibiza, which uses the same bushes.

**El Guapo** · 18-03-2010,11:15 PM

Checked it out and it is the coil spring on the drivers side.

**Crasher** · 18-03-2010,11:52 PM

That is becoming common too, you should fit a pair and I strongly suggest you only buy genuine springs, pattern ones often end up with odd ride heights.

**El Guapo** · 24-03-2010,02:26 PM

All fixed and running fine now. Thanks for the help!

**mike conlon** · 27-03-2010,11:57 AM

Uncanny but I was about to post a very similar enquiry re my other half's W reg 1.8 diesel Ibiza. I would have described it as more of a grumbling noise with my suspicions being a wheel bearing or a strut. I am currently "looking" at it and notiice quite a bit of slogger between the drive shaft and hub. Is this normal and if not what is the likely cause ? Thanks, Mike

**Crasher** · 27-03-2010,05:22 PM

Slogger!?? Do you mean backlash? If so, yes there is a lot in the CV joints. When CV joints fail, you are left in no doubt as to what is wrong, the hammering is very distinctive. Your noise could be wheel bearings or tyres.

**paul b** · 11-04-2010,01:01 AM

Crasher,

I've noticed that the consul bushes as you have pictured are failed on the 52 reg Ibiza 1.2 (only 26k) I have just bought (fresh 12 month MOT on it too... hmm

). The wheel moves back and forth about an inch when it's up on the wheel brace, more so on the passenger side.

I was wondering if you could enlighten me as to what the replacement procedure is and what tools I require.

Thanks again for your continued support.

Paul