[Steering & Suspension] Noise from suspension top mount

[cancunia]

I think that Citroen decided to drop the strut mod recall after a certain year, not sure why so would be good to know what they say. There's a post on here somewhere about it.

[GJB]

Should be quick this time around what with all the practice, free running fasteners and clean components.

Yes the strut does come off quickly now. 

Just had a quick look at it again this morning.  When the spring snapped on the left hand side, the shocker was replaced, (as it was also damaged) along with the spring, anti and anti roll bar link.

At the same time I also replaced the spring and anti roll bar link on the right hand side.
I did not bother with the shocker as it seemed in very good condition.  I now believe this to be the problem. The noise from the right hand side top mount only started when I ha completed the left side strut.  Looking at the van it seems to be sitting about 10mm higher on the left side to the right side.  I am thinking the new left hand shocker is sitting 10mm different to the right side. Mayhe this is causing what I should have better described as a creaking sound from the left top mount.  I took the ECU off the left hand side to compare the two mounts. The cupped washer on the left hand side has a much larger gap between it and the rubber mount, than the right side. I think maybe the rubber on the top mount is creaking when I turn the wheel from straight ahead.

In retrospect should have replaced both shocks together, but was trying to save cost on an old vehicle.

Shocks should be replaced in pairs as you would with springs , don't skimp on this it can and will effect handling as shocks can droop and weaken over time .  If replacing springs etc it always pays to replace everything you can , springs shocks bearings drop arms bolts etc , they aren't pricey and youll save all that labour having to do it twice . I always get my parts from Euro parts as they are cost effective .

In my defence, at first it it seemed as if both shocks were fine, it was only when stripped down that one was found to be damaged,  this either occurred when the spring snapped or more likely caused the spring to snap. The shock was needed urgent as the van was stripped down and all the local Euro Car Parts only stock the Left hand side shock for some reason, the right hand is always to order for next day delivery.  This fact combined with the little cost saving convinced me into leaving it,  however as you pointed out it should have been done in the first place as I am now having to redo that side again

[GJB]

I think that Citroen decided to drop the strut mod recall after a certain year, not sure why so would be good to know what they say. There's a post on here somewhere about it.

I wonder what year they stopped as the last van was bought new in 2006

[Trevor]

You can check if yours was in the recall batch here
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall

[GJB]

You can check if yours was in the recall batch here
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall

Thank you for the link, I just  checked and it states that there are not recalls for my van so it seems it was registered after the recall date.  Although obviously the problem with dangerous coil spring failure still exists.  I will contact Citroen and ask if they can supply the safety cups for both struts.  Luckily I was just driving away when the spring snapped, if I was going at any speed, I can only imagine what would have happened.

[bikergraham]

You can check if yours was in the recall batch here
https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall

Thank you for the link, I just  checked and it states that there are not recalls for my van so it seems it was registered after the recall date.  Although obviously the problem with dangerous coil spring failure still exists.  I will contact Citroen and ask if they can supply the safety cups for both struts.  Luckily I was just driving away when the spring snapped, if I was going at any speed, I can only imagine what would have happened.

Youll probably do better purchasing them from a breakers or ebay . All these cars are getting old now [ like me ]  so it makes sense to go to a scrappy once you've sorted your other problems .  Good luck .

[lorraine]

ha bloody amazing,iv had the broken spring issue,now i find it should have been recalled.it cost me,when it shouldnt have.iv had the car from new and still have it,never had a recall.bastards

[bikergraham]

ha bloody amazing,iv had the broken spring issue,now i find it should have been recalled.it cost me,when it shouldnt have.iv had the car from new and still have it,never had a recall.bastards

Im sorry to hear that LORRAINE but you would have paid for the spring anyway , the recall was a cover which protected the tyres from the springs in the event of breakage and not for the spring itself . I hope that makes you feel better .

[GJB]

Updated details, after checking and ruling out every thing that could be causing this, yesterday I had the van back up on the ramps. with the engine runniong and someone turning the steering wheel, seems that the noise is being caused by the steering damper/stabliliser which attaches to the rear of the steering rack. If hold this while the wheel is being turned I can feel the vibration. Does anyone have any experience of these failing or needing replacement. The source of the noise is so hard to track down as it is being transmitted throughout the steering/suspension.