Vauxhall Astra Estate auto - Astra H "cracking" noise in steering/suspension

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Sat 8 Sep 2018 11:49
Vauxhall Astra Estate auto - Astra H "cracking" noise in steering/suspension - Richard Huddleston

38,000 miles, 2008.

At low speed at the end of the steering travel especially turning to straighten up from full lock there’s a loud “crack”. Also rumblings at low speed on poor surfaces.

I’ve replaced strut, spring, shock, top mounting, track rod ends and tie rod to strut link – ie all ball-jointed components (both sides). Driving in circles with full lock no noise so I assume the cv joints are ok. There’s about 1/16” in-out play where driveshaft enters hub which I assume is standard play before the circlip on the driveshaft stops it coming out. Jacking up and waggling the wheel – no play, likewise jacking both sides and waggling the steering wheel about. The steering mountings feel ok.

So I can only assume the wheel bearings have had it. Any thoughts folks?

Thanks in advance.

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Sat 8 Sep 2018 12:02
Vauxhall Astra Estate auto - Astra H "cracking" noise in steering/suspension - Peter.N.

I would have said either a broken spring or top mount bearings but as you've changed those obviously not. Worn wheel bearings will normally whine so while not eliminating them I think it unlikely. The only other thing I can think of is suspension lower ball joints.

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Sat 22 Sep 2018 19:45
Vauxhall Astra Estate auto - Astra H "cracking" noise in steering/suspension - Richard Huddleston

Well that was cheap and easy - £38 for a pair of full wishbone.

Sadly it's not worked.

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Sat 8 Sep 2018 16:09
Vauxhall Astra Estate auto - Astra H "cracking" noise in steering/suspension - hardway

Checked the "D" bushes where the anti roll bar bolt on?

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Sun 9 Sep 2018 23:24
Vauxhall Astra Estate auto - Astra H "cracking" noise in steering/suspension - Richard Huddleston

Can only just see them let alone get a socket on, let alone turn it. And it's Torx so options are limited. I reckon it'd be subfarme-out job to replace.

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Sat 22 Sep 2018 19:48
Vauxhall Astra Estate auto - Astra H "cracking" noise in steering/suspension - hardway

You could try spraying the "D" bushes with WD40,

Not for a cure but it could isolate it,

If the noise then dissapears or even modifies then it's a good indicator of failing bushes.

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Sat 8 Sep 2018 17:07
Vauxhall Astra Estate auto - Astra H "cracking" noise in steering/suspension - Bolt

CV joints can crack on the turn of steering wheel but not on full lock depending how bad they are, so I wouldnt discount them....

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