Citroen Xsara Picasso - Clunking Noise

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Wed 22 Apr 2020 09:59
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Clunking Noise - Lineda Delas

Hello.

I have a Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 petrol 2010 plate.

In April i noticed a clunk whenever i steered moderately/ hard to the right, ie slow speed turning and parking. To my untrained ear it sounded like the driver-side suspension.
I took the car to a garage and they replaced the coil spring and checked the CV joint and suspension. All seemed fine.

About 2 weeks ago a new sound developed. The driver side suspension was really rattling over any kind of bump.
My local (trusted) mechanic checked it and replaced the shock absorber and top mount, as well as the anti roll bar link arm.

A few days later the first sound returned, when i turn right as before. I'm loath to pay out more so I'm hoping the folks here can help identify the problem.

The power steering sounds fine, the reservoir is full and i can't see any leaks anywhere.
The car feels normal, it's not listing to the right and there are no noises at speed.
I can't see any lose trim/bodywork or anything else that might be fouling/ catching when i turn.

The one thing i have noticed is that the Coil spring and shock mount on the problematic side have been mounted facing the opposite way to the passenger side, if that's important.

Any help appreciated

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Wed 22 Apr 2020 11:22
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Clunking Noise - Railroad.

Check the front anti-roll bar drop links for even the tiniest amount of play. It's amazing how much any play at all will amplify on the road.

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Wed 22 Apr 2020 17:02
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Clunking Noise - andyp

The bolt in the bottom engine mount is well known for coming undone on Picasso's. Normally just needs winding back in.

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Sun 17 May 2020 23:08
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Clunking Noise - Sailor

I'm an amateur.

Ideas:

1. Check all bolts, and the nuts on ballpoints etc. I had a ball-joint nut left loose by a garage, come off on the motorway, and the parts separated. Play from a loose nut could result in a clonk.

2. Repeated clonking when turning hard on the lock is a classic for a failing CV joint. But you said "a" knock... I expect any garage would know this (much better than me) and check. However you may want to experiment with some tight turns.

3. If you can reproduce the sound, get someone to stand/walk close to the car and try to hear where it comes from.

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