[gvas]

Hi all im new here, I own a 02 v6 manual gv. 250000kms and only starter motor, rear brake cylinder, tyres, cv boots replaced and cv repacked and standard service items replaced- THANK GOD

Recently had inner and outer cv boots replaced and cvs inspected repacked with appropriate grease. Everything was clean with no defects and no noise once all back together.
In past month or three a strange dull metal knock has become apparent not unlike grabbing a plastic face mallet and tapping it on the suspension or chassis.
It only occurs when changing direction or weight transfer, but not always. It even occurs when coming to a stop after travelleing down s drive way in a straight line. Its not the typical snapping noise you'd hear with driveline bind up when in 4x4, and there is no typical cv clicking or what youd expect itto be if something was ready to let go.
Ive jacked the front up, no front wheel freeplay, so assuming its not bearings as the wheels turn smooth in each direction while turning lock to lock. Steering doesnt make a noise when wheels turned by hand, engine off no pressure, apart from the power steer fluid sound.
Driven slowly forward in low range and high range engaged (4wd light flashes indicating air leak- another day ill get around to fixing the little compressor) no noise.

Any ideas, could it be simple sway arm bushes or similar uncomplicated issue? I checked the steering shaft and its solid as a rock with no free play. Other than minor oil leaks and thirsty on the fuel, its a great car. Could do with new suspension, pretty sure its all original!
Apologies if this type of problem has been discussed already, total noobie!

[henno]

Tie rod ends.

[gvas]

Yeah right, sounds pretty straight forward then, sorry if I over analysed and described it to a finite degree, just like to paint the picture.
Ill get them checked out thanks heaps!

[henno]

It should be obvious if it's the outer ball joint on the tie rod end, particularly if you can hear the knock.
If you trust someone (like a wife/girlfriend/mate) get them to sit in the car and wiggle the steering wheel back and forward while you feel the rubber boot. In my case, I could see and hear the movement straight away but in some cases it's a little more subtle.

[gvas]

Just gave it a try, there seems to be a faint sound and barely noticeable freeplay, but unfortunately it wasnt the obvious noise.

[gvas]

Light bulb moment, grabbed the tie rod on both sides of car and twisted it and they both rotate easily and large full circumference spilt in rubber, dare say it's shot?

[henno]

Even if they aren't I'd be replacing them anyway. They are only 30-ish bucks each, plus the cost of a wheel alignment afterwards.

[gvas]

Thanks Henno, is there a brand or supplier in brisbane you know of or have heard of that is all over gv parts? So many suspension/ parts shops to choose from with varying levels of prices, mservice and understanding of gv's.

[henno]

I bought mine from Repco and installed them myself.
If you are getting a mechanic to do it for you, expect to pay a lot more of course.

There are a few handy tricks to installing them yourself if you go that route - like counting the number of turns off and putting the new ones on the same number of turns to maintain some semblance of wheel alignment. Also, in removing the balljoint don't use a fork but rather back on the outer (not the ball or the tie rod, just the ring on the hub) to get them off. I can get photos and such if you chose to go that way.