Escort clunking noise from front wheel

First check would be to make sure the wheel is still bolted up tightly, I would do that before even driving to the garage.

My guess would be a totally failed lower arm suspension bush. Usual cure is a new bottom arm, about 50 quid plus fitting.

There are several other possibilities though! Such as a failed CV joint, cost about the same as above.

mrcheerful

Thanks for the answer. I checked the bolts as soon as it happened for the first time but it was fine

Took it to a garage, they reckon its the gearbox. When you spin the front passenger wheel (off the ground) it moves ok and then suddenly will lock.

I guess that makes sense - sounds expensive now

Although it is possible, I do not expect the fault is in the gearbox, almost certainly it is one (probably the outer) CV joint, if these break up they give all the symptoms you describe. (vibration, noise when pulling away and turning, etc.)

They do usually give you plenty of warning first though, by clicking when you pull away turning to the side that is worn out. So if you have had that for a while, then almost certainly the outer CV joint is the fault.

mrcheerful

Thanks again

Nope, no warning at all, haven't heard/felt a thing until this morning. I admit I'm not 100% convinced its the gearbox

When the wheels locked up whilst off the floor, there was some noise when the wheel locked up and it did seem to come from the gearbox. .

I'm going to a nearby gearbox place in the morning, they give free diagnosis so hopefully they can say for sure

yes done one a few weeks ago,(escort too) sounds like its the planet gears inside the diff . can be overhauled but quicker to put a box in, cheap now in scrapyards cv joints knock but they dont lock up

would that affect just one wheel though?

its the planetary gears - well diagnosed

thanks all for your help

Sounds like the track control arms

That sounds like a cv joint. Don't recall this problem with the gearbox. Worked on hundreds of these while in the motor trade. BTW I got out of the business 5 years ago.