Bong noise from front spring

[melvin]

Think I mentioned this here before. Seem to have a bong noise from front right strut/spring when turning steering back and forth while stationary or driving slowly like when parking. Sometimes i hear it over a bumpy road.
Thought it was dirt gathered up in spring seat, washed it out but problem seems to be still there. Pretty sure the spring aint broke but not 100%.
What could cause this?
Thanks

[ed taylor]

The spring could be broken and the "coil" is now moving in the strut seat. Have you taken the wheel off and had a good look for a broken coil resting in the bottom of the strut seat. Mind you if my memory is correct there was a bit of an issue with the front springs and a plastic sort of "thing" was put over the spring to stop it moving. No doubt another member will put us right on this. I have changed "no end" springs on our old Vectra B. I used to find a broken coil in the bottom of the strut seat.

[omega63]

There is a bearing in which the upper edge of the suspension spring seats, check and see if this bearing is rotating freely when turning lock to lock. It does tend to get jammed with road debris, ....

[melvin]

I can feel the plastic cover fitted to the bottom of the spring ok. Will have a better look at the weekend.

[melvin]

Going to have a look at the spring tomorrow.Does the plastic cover over the bottom of the spring just clip off?
Will i see if the spring is broke even slightly with strut still in car?
Ifff I do have to replace spring, should ireplace both front?
and finally are there any better springs about which dont bounce as much or would i have to replace shocks/strut too?

Thanks lads

[lee1828]

Going to have a look at the spring tomorrow.Does the plastic cover over the bottom of the spring just clip off?
Will i see if the spring is broke even slightly with strut still in car?
Ifff I do have to replace spring, should ireplace both front?
and finally are there any better springs about which dont bounce as much or would i have to replace shocks/strut too?

Thanks lads

No the plastic cover over the bottom of the spring wont just click off, It wraps round the spring, spring would have to be taken off to remove. These dont require lubricating either, the bottom of the spring isnt supposed to move from its located position.
It can sometimes be difficult to see if the spring has broken unless its in eye view once jacked up but thats depending where it has broke, if it has! Just run your fingers round the spring and you would feel a break, also moving the strut from lock to lock can help in finding a break, helping you see further towards the rear of the spring. The usually break at the top or bottom.
You should always replace springs in pairs.
Standard shocks should be fine unless they are knackered.
It sounds to me like the strut top bearing may be worn, the spring isnt moving with the strut and the bong you can hear is the spring springing back due to it not turning due to the bearing..

[melvin]

Thanks Lee for your advice. Can the strut top bearing be bought seperately or do you have to get complete mounts.
Cheers

[lee1828]

no problem, yes they can be bought separately mate, i think your looking around £35 for a pair from vx, that was with discount mind! Ask vx for discount, they usually give some if your cheeky enough

[luke4487]

I am about to upgrade my suspension due to the same problem. Couldn't see any visible damage but I am quite sure the car is lurching and it is like driving a Vectra B (aka a speedboat) around corners and when accelerating etc. Going for the Eibach/Bilsteins and replacing front and rear drop links and ARB bushes, and the rear tie rods and control arms

Also got the top bearings for the front. I was wondering if they need grease or if they run dry? And if so what grease have people used?

Danke

[lee1828]

I am about to upgrade my suspension due to the same problem. Couldn't see any visible damage but I am quite sure the car is lurching and it is like driving a Vectra B (aka a speedboat) around corners and when accelerating etc. Going for the Eibach/Bilsteins and replacing front and rear drop links and ARB bushes, and the rear tie rods and control arms

Also got the top bearings for the front. I was wondering if they need grease or if they run dry? And if so what grease have people used?

Danke

No the new top bearings wont need greasing, just fit them mate. You can strip, clean and regrease the old bearings but they can be difficult to seperate without breaking and not sure how long they would last. Most bearings will have suffered with the amount of salt etc on the roads of late..