Hi,
I own a Renault Clio 1.4 (1999) and started to experience an odd knocking noise from under the vehicle on the right hand side (drivers side). Every time I setoff or when I brake to stop the car, I experience 1 big knock noise. This problem was only present when setting off or stopping. Now its started to make the same noise when I do a full steering turn even when the car is not in motion.
To get this problem sorted I first went to Kwick Fit (believe me their not kwick..I was booked in for 10am and had to wait for nearly 2 hours before a mechanic was free). They told me that it could not be the CV joint as I would only experience the knocking noise if I was turning the car. But because I experience the noise when I setoff or stop..it must be the Ball joint (is this true?). So I asked them to fit a new ball joint.. They then told me I had to get the car tracking done again as it would need to be reset. So soon as they finished, I setoff. I found the problem was still there and was told I would have to make a new appointment in order for Kwick Fit to investigate the matter further in a couple of days as they were fully booked. So I wasted £55 on something that was not really required. I am a student so this is a major deal for me.
So the following day I went to MotoSave. They did the same tests and came to the conclusion that I required a new AntiRoll Bar Kit. Again, when they finished I found that the AntiRoll Kit did not fix the problem. They then told me."oh it must be your exhaust ratlin"....this pissed me off as I only got the exhaused fitted 6 months ago..
So off I went to Central Tyres where I purchased and had the exhaust fitted and got a 2 year guarantee. They inspected the exhaust and all the brackets and showed me that it was not the exhaust :( they even checked the engine mountings which was OK.
Today I visited 3 different garages, and each mechanic gave me a different story :- garage 1 says it is the Driveshaft that needs replacing.. garage 2 says its the CV Joint.. garage 3 says its the Catalytic Converter that's rattling...(definitely not going back to them as I am 100% sure that its not the cause of the knocking)..
What am I to do next? Please if there is anybody who has experienced with a similar problem or may have some advice for this problem.. I would much appreciate it if you could kindly reply.....
Any help is appreciated..