Horrible noise coming from wheel arch...help!

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20 Nov 2005
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Bristol
I was pulling out of a parking space in my local shopping centre today, and as I turned the wheels right to pull out into the car park I suddenly hear a load, alarming 'dongggg' from somewhere in the right wheel arch. As I straighten the wheels, again 'donnnggg'. Sounds as if something heavy and metal is catching and then springing back as I turn the wheels and then straighten them.

Drove slowly home from the shopping centre. If I ever turned the wheels a fair distance (when turning into streets for example), again I would get the loud noise from somewhere below my feet, near the right wheel. The car isn't handling any differently, and there are no major noises when going over speed bumps. However, if I drive over small bumps like drain covers and ditches in the road, there is a horrible rattle that sounds like metal banging together, emanating once again from under my footwell.

I come here in the hope that someone may have some idea as to what has happened, and how big a fix it is likely to be. I took a few pictures of the inside of the wheel arch once I got the car back in the garage. Have a look and see what you think - I don't notice anything obvious.

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Sorry for the poor quality. I couldn't really get the camera any further back!

Thanks for any help!
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Looks a bit greasy (or is it all just wet?) under there but could be a snapped spring? Push the car down on that side, see what happens or better yet, jack it up and poke around.

Edit - doh, beaten :p
 
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Yea it's all wet after the drive home. Took a look at the spring and it seems intact from where I was looking. Couldn't really get a picture though.

Nothing unusual when pushing the car down. Springs back up as usual.
 
is that a vw? looks really like my old golf under there

anyway, suspension top mount is another option i suppose

can you get someone to stand next to the car and see if it sounds like something more recognisable from the outside?
 
silane said:
I trust you gave everything a shake about whilst you were under there?
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Not really. Was a bit worried about getting something flying off in my face if there was a piece of metal under tension.

Matt82 said:
is that a vw? looks really like my old golf under there

anyway, suspension top mount is another option i suppose

can you get someone to stand next to the car and see if it sounds like something more recognisable from the outside?
Click to expand...

Yup, it's an 03 Polo.

Not gonna be able to get a proper look at the spring unless I get it up in the air....garage :(

Out of interest, how much would I be looking at for labour and parts on a spring replacement?
 
As predicted, this turned out to be a broken spring. Top mount shock absorber bearing was also knackered apparently. Replacement of both came to £100. Happy days...

Thanks for help all.
 
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