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[mattyb]

Hi all, I hae just replaced the brake pads, disks and complete track rod end assembly to both sides to the front of the car. Unfortunately I am getting a creaking noise from the front of the car and occasional knocking noise especially when braking quickly. The noise is similar to an under tightened hand brake although coming from the front. Any suggestions as I suspect anti roll bar but I am a novice mechanic. Many thx in advance Mat

[dbug]

Drop links?

[mattyb]

Thx for reply but isn't the drop link the same part as the anti roll bar? No sarcasm intended I am an amateur trying to save money from not having to pay the local garage!

[Teebee]

The drop links are the part that connect from the shock absorber down to the anti roll bar.

[dbug]

Drop links are cheap (~£9 ea off ebay) and easy to swap.  Low cost either cures or removes these from equation

[mattyb]

Could somebody tell me if the following item number 290469048231 (on flea bay), is the correct part for my omega 2.2 petrol 2001? Also could somebody explain why you would get a knocking/creaking noise from a worn drop link? Thanks for all your speedy replies. Much appreciated.

[Brikhead]

I would expect worn droplinks to 'chatter' rather than creak maybe accompanied by a light knocking, you can check them by grabbing hold of them and trying to move them, if they feel loose, or move with any 'notchiness' then replace them.
Worn a.r.b. 'D' bushes can creak when worn. If either of these items are worn then any noise will be most evident when going over rough or uneven surfaces.

Was the noise there before you changed the brakes?
Have you had the suspension and steering angles checked?

[Teebee]

Yes that's the fleabay part, and reading Brikhead's reply I missed the part about the creak.

AFAIK the drop links would only create the knock so maybe you have two problems. When I replaced mine last week I could make them knock by bouncing the suspension heavily, not sure if that would work for you but it's an easy test.

From my point of view for the sake of £10 and an hours work it's silly not to do them.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Was this happening before you did the work on the brakes?

[mattyb]

Cannot say I noticed before changing the brakes that there was knocking or creaking. I was sold the car recently with a few cautionaries on the mot. These included track rod end excessive movement, brake disk and pad excessive wear although it did pass. When I removed the pads they were in deed heavily worn and the disks slightly warped so opted to replace both sides. Caliper removed easily and disks took a few whacks to remove but otherwise straight forward. Track rod ends complete assembly was more difficult but again with a scissor ball joint removal took a while to loosen but not to difficult. This was then laser tracked and fine to drive although I then noticed the knocking/creaking sound but this may of already been present as I like to drive to loud music! If i let loose of the steering wheel it does now go in a straight line so I think that the tracking and track rods are functioning. I will try the drop links as they are only £15 delivered for both sides. Am I correct in thinking these are easily taken off by use of a ratchet and a bit of wd40 soaking or are these a pain to remove? Only ask as I nearly pulled the car of the trolley jack when trying to remove the track rods! If creak still exists I will then try to change the bushes as per suggestion. Thanks all you guys you are the tops! Mat

[Teebee]

Just a ratchet and an open ended spanner needed, but soak them with Plusgas or similar overnight not WD40, that's useless. The only thing I will suggest is put the car on an axle stand, (not only for safety reasons) because after you take the lower bolt out the link is still under pressure and the bolt holding fast. I put my trolley jack under the roll bar and applied the smallest amount of lift, the bolt just slid out. Ditto on replacement, do the top bolt first then jack the roll bar up until the bolts slots in easily.

[Brikhead]

No axle stands... Not good.

When does the car make the noise, Only occasionally when you go over a bump for example? Or does it happen only when you brake?

[Brikhead]

The only thing I will suggest is put the car on an axle stand, (not only for safety reasons) because after you take the lower bolt out the link is still under pressure and the bolt holding fast.

As long as the car is kept level, and not jacked up on only one side, then the anti roll bar will not be tensioned.

[mattyb]

 I will listen carefully for noises when going over bumps tomorrow, but as far as I am aware I have only noticed when braking quite hard or when I brake when parking the car on my sloped driveway. Will post tomorrow Thanks all
 

[mattyb]

Hi all. Sorry for delay in update. I have listened carefully for noise when breaking but found the noise is intermitent.Definately more of a creak from what sounds like the centre to the front end of the car. I have fitted drop links but still problem persists. I have been advised to test for loose break calipers. Will update. All suggestions greatly appreciated. Thx