Ben Stearn

Hi, I have a 2005 wrx with the factory suspension still on the car. Over the last few days a very loud knocking or banging noise had appeared on the car. It is definitely coming from the front left every time I hit a bump, no matter how big the bump is. Is almost a constant noise while driving but if I stop and bounce the car on that side, I can hear it and I can feel a knock if I do it while touching the rubber cover on top of the strut, in the engine bay while bouncing the car. Does anyone know what this could be? I have no idea and need to get it done as the mot ruins out on June 1st. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

Hawkeye D

My guess would be NSF lower ball joint. Not uncommon but will fail an MOT.

Mine just failed a few weeks back for lower ball joint, got the part fitted and the car handles a lot better.

Not an expensive part nor a big job to do. The dealer sold me the part for £20 instead of I think £35. Got it fitted at where I work, then back for free re-test and pass.

Ben Stearn

Thanks for the reply. Did you experience the knocking as well. I'm not really feeling that much through the wheel that's feeling odd

Hawkeye D

Yes, but I blamed it on bumps hitting the tyres and a generally very stiff car etc. Once it was replaced, I realised what had been happening.

Turner Tronics

Or shocker top mount or ARB bush

dabiscuit

I have an 06 Hawk with exactly the same problem and the same wheel too.

It knocks when I am going very slowly or turning tightly.

What is the specific part called and is there a guide on how to change it?

Turner Tronics

That sounds like a cv joint? Check to see if the boots split,grease all over inside of wheel ect is a tell tale sign

dabiscuit

Sorry for my retardness "boots split"?!

Turner Tronics

We all have our blonde moments haha instead of replacing boot and cv joint youd be better off replacing the whole axle,may as well do other side while your at it to know your good for many moons to come

Turner Tronics

O right sorry only just seen it was a question! Lol,look underneath car near the culprit wheel,there should be a rubber boot with tie wraps at either side that goes on the wheel side of axle,check if its split,grease shoots all over and joint drys out