I've posted about this a couple of times now, although i'm not sure if
this latest development is related to the previous posts.  I have an
escort which has had something knocking from the front for the past few
months, basically when i set off forward there was something that felt
like it had some play in it and was moving backwards before hitting
something, it was only a small knock and i felt it more than heard it
but it was more noticable when setting off from a stop going uphill.

It now seems to have turned into quite a sharp knocking sound which
appears at random although i did notice it appeared almost all the time
if the steering wheel was turned sharply to the right whilst moving.

I've just had the drivers side front wheel off and have noticed that
the rubber cover on the wishbone balljoint that attaches to the wheel
hub is split open.  There is no play in the ball joint, i've had a good
swing on the wheel when it's off the ground and bounced the car when
it's on the ground and everything seems as it should.  I've checked all
the nuts and bolts in and around the fron wheels and they're all tight,
also checked the trackrod ball joints and the rest of the bushes on the
wishbones and everything seems fine.

I'm now at a loss to know what it could be, the wishbones themselves
were only put on earlier this year.  The car dosn't handle any
different when driving do i now have no idea what to check next.
Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks

This car does have McPherson struts does it not? If so, it is likely that 
the bearing at the top of the strut is gone, allowing the strut to wander. 
Need to take the strut off, remove the spring (careful), and replace 
bearing.

Rob Graham

tollermccallum wrote:


> It now seems to have turned into quite a sharp knocking sound which
> appears at random although i did notice it appeared almost all the time
> if the steering wheel was turned sharply to the right whilst moving.
> 
> I've just had the drivers side front wheel off and have noticed that
> the rubber cover on the wishbone balljoint that attaches to the wheel
> hub is split open.


Worn CV joint, innit. The rubber boots are MOT items, IIRC. The split 
allows moisture in and grease out, causing the wear. A new boot and more 
grease may cure it, but I doubt it.
Mind you, I thought clicking while turning right, meant the left hand 
one had gone, so perhaps they both need attention.