Page 2 of 2

Re: Pajero iO rear arm rubbers?

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:30 pm
by JacoV
Which Ball joints?

You can check the following at home to see if they are worn
- 1 - Tie Rod end and knuckle
- 2 - Wheelbearings (while your busy checking the nr 1)
- 3 - Stabilizer bar bushes and linkage

How to
- 1- Jack up the car so that the wheel being inspected is lifted off the ground. Grab the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock and push with one hand and pull with the other alternating between pushing and pulling with each hand. There should be no "free" movements. If you have any "free" movements it's indicating that the tie-rod end and knuckle is worn out and this is very unsafe.

- 2 - While the car is jacked up, grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and push pull the same as nr 1. If there are any free movements or clunking sounds, its most likely due to worn out wheel bearings.

- 3 - Using a crowbar wedge it in between the front stabilizer bar and front diff crossmember and try to force the stabilizer bar to move. If there is excessive movement the stabilizer bar's bushes or linkage are worn. This could very well be where the clunk is coming from. Fielies has the same problem. This can easily and cheaply be replaced at home.

Hope this helps
Keep us updated

Re: Pajero iO rear arm rubbers?

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 11:43 am
by JonnyD
Our neigbours at work is Tiger Wheels. Went there this morning. We lifted the iO up, pulled and pushed the wheels, no apparent problems. They then lifted Shrek up on the wheel alignment lift where they further inspected the suspension assembly. Nothing.

My plan of action now:

1) TW suggested a suspension specialist. I made an appointment for tomorrow.

2) I re-read all the posts and will ask the specialist just to check all the other possibilities even the non-suspension issues raised.

Hopefully I will have some good news tomorrow.

Re: Pajero iO rear arm rubbers?

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 5:28 pm
by JonnyD
OK, so Icouldn't wait until tomorrow. Jacked the left front up, did the 3 & 9 o'clock push and pull and found some play. Wasn't 100% sure, but after doing the same on the right wheel I am sure there is some "play".

Stupidity prevailed this morning at TWT as both front wheels was in the air. The small amount of "play" couln't be felt as the wheels just turned like I was steering left and right.

Off to the specialist in the morning anyway as I am not comfortable fixing anything this important.

Re: Pajero iO rear arm rubbers?

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 6:23 pm
by JacoV
Sounds like Tie Rod ends aswell as stabilizer bar bushes are common failures (can you say failure on a wear part?) on the IO.

Hope you get this sorted out! Always ask to see the parts replaced, too many chancers in this world.

The clunk continues....

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 2:29 pm
by JonnyD
... after spending the whole of Friday at the specialist.

Firstly they drove Shrek around 3 times but can't even hear the clunks I do. I suppose it's easier for me to hear something that wasn't there before. Like a "before" and "after" photo.

They assured me there is nothing critically wrong with the suspension, bearings, ball joints or steering. He actually commented that everything, including the suspension rubbers, were in good nick. When I looked at the underbelly when Shrek was at TWT my own impression was that nothing looked dilapidated or worn out.

So, although my frustration continues, at least I know there is not a safety critical fault somewhere.

Aaaaaarrgghhhhh, the clunk !!!!