Today I found an easy fix on my "rescued from the dead" P38 by getting the cruise control working by changing the vacuum hose. Was delighted at an actual easy fix.
I'd noticed a small clunk on extreme lock a few times but today the car is clunking on both acceleration and braking. I can feel it through the floor of the car.
Ideas on the most likely culprit(s) before I gird my loins to go squirming underneath (it doesn't get any easier as you get older does it?)
Is it a continuous clunk or just as you change from accelerating to decelerating? If it is just with a change of load, it could be a propshaft UJ on its way out.
Hey GilbertD, Thanks for response. I checked all the UJ's when I had the incident near Peterborough and had to change the rear propshaft.
Th clunk happens when I apply throttle and when I brake. Also on sharp cornering. Basically when the body weight shifts. I'm suspecting radius arm bushes or similar.
Got underneath today and couldn't see anything obvious except one of the CV joint boots was leaking - The jubilee clip had rotted through and it had just started to let a bit of grease out so remedied that but couldn't see anything that would cause the clonking.
You mean you broke down on my doorstep? I'm in Stilton, just off J16 of the A1(M), one junction down from the services. To properly check UJs you need to disconnect them or at least have a wheel on each axle off the ground. Rear radius arm bushes are dead easy to change, the front ones involve a big press and lots of swearing at them. CV joints make the usual CV joint clunk, clunk, clunk on full lock, but stay quiet when straight ahead so it doesn't sound like a CV joint.
I did indeed break down near you and you were away at the time I believe.
I'm convinced its suspension related. I may run it up to We-R-P38s in Pontypool and see if they can diagnose it.
if you want to check your suspension you will need another person to move the steering wheel (eg wife) while you physically put your hand on every joint possible looking for movement , also grab hold of the wheel and rattle the crap out of it (from the top and the side) whilst feeling the upper and lower ball joints in both direct and on full lock position. the vehicle needs to be on the ground in the running position , you only move the steering wheel about an inch either way .
PS check your shocks rubbers they can cause clucks and bangs to
Check the ARB bushes and drop links first. Much easier to check and sort out before getting serious with ball joints!
Well, as I couldn't locate the knocks, I decided to leave it a while and let it get worse.
Now clunks on change of direction. In fact now the clunk on acceleration and braking has gone but I can feel the clunks on direction change through the floor.