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Small knock felt through steering column

Richard B

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2006 Tourer
I'm trying to figure out if this is the start of a problem.

Using the accelerator to transition from coast to just the edges of supplying drive, I can feel the tiniest of knocks through the steering column as the engine and drive train "load up" There is no sound ***ociated with this.

I'm thinking - CV joint play, or perhaps the start of movement in an engine mount.

If anyone else has noticed something like this, was this the start of something larger?

Any advice on how to test the state of the engine mounts?
 
On occasions such as this, we used to have apprentices check the dolphin valve, muppet flaps, and tighten up all the hazlenuts.

Failing That, I'd be checking the usual suspects. Track rod ends, ball joints, control arms, driveshaft joints (the diesels kill these, particularly the half-shaft splines - try and wiggle the right driveshaft inner pot) or if you're really unlucky, it's a worn DMF having a clunk.
 
Thanks. Yes wearable drivetrain components will definitely get a wiggle tomorrow as part of the investigation. But as I can feel it in the steering column and not the rest of the car, I am wondering if it could be something that is attached to the subframe, or if the subframe itself is working itself loose. I strongly suspect the subframe has been replaced in this car as it has hand written numbers on the frame, you know those liquid chalk pens that write on anything, usually in pink or white.

This forum is good because it has this hive-mind database of usual suspects. Asking here saves a lot of poking in the wrong places.
 
It's a weird one, as my car doesn't do it, and it seems to have had every mechanical problem known to man.
 
the only thing relevant to front subframe replacement (2006 CN2) in the ESM is .....


Front Subframe Alignment
NOTE:
  • Before removing the subframe, make reference marks on the subframe that line up with the edge of the rear bracket for reinstallation.
  • When installing, align both installation reference holes in the subframe with the reference holes in the body using a screwdriver or tapered punch as a guide.
  • After mounting the subframe and bracket loosely, align the reference marks with the edge of the rear bracket then tighten the bolts.


Front Subframe Torque
After removing the subframe mounting bolts, front suspension subframe middle mounting rubber mounting bolts, steering gearbox stiffener mounting bolt, and front suspension subframe rear bracket mounting bolts, be sure to replace them with new ones.
 
btw I forgot to say, if the clutch has been renewed at some time, then the subframe will have been removed to get the gearbox out
 
Had this myself, occasionally felt through the pedals also.
One new steering rack later and all cured. The moths in my wallet got a permanent home after that.
 
freddofrog said:
btw I forgot to say, if the clutch has been renewed at some time, then the subframe will have been removed to get the gearbox out
That would explain the writing on the subframe. The clutch was renewed just before I bought the car late last year, and if something is slowly working loose it has been a few months.

I didn't get to work on it today and noticed the knock is becoming more distinct. CV or other drivetrain wear doesn't generally go from zero to hero that quickly. it's barely been a 200 miles since I noticed it.
 
Andyjdmteg said:
Had this myself, occasionally felt through the pedals also.
One new steering rack later and all cured. The moths in my wallet got a permanent home after that.
Can I ask how you did the ****ysis for this? (if you did it yourself).
 
On the ramp, engine on and off you could hear the rack wasn't happy. Also car on the ground rocking the steering wheel with my head shoved down the back of the engine. Sounded like the noise was coming from the column itself at first but it ended up being the rack. With mine you could also feel it through the pedals on occasion.
And no I don't have abnormally long arms - I had someone else in the drivers seat!
Disappeared with the new one in. Didn't effect the drive though, was still crap but that's another story.
 
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