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08 Combo Van - Steering 'Clonk' Noise - peterc2

Hi,

I have a low mileage 08 Combo van. I get a 'clonk' noise from the steering as I rock the steering wheel. This happen when driving and also when stationary. I don't think it's the rack or the track rod ends. It seems to be coming from the steering column universal joints. I'm not sure it is serious as it went through the last MOT like this. I'd just like to fix it.

Any ideas?

Thanks in anticipation.

Peter

08 Combo Van - Steering 'Clonk' Noise - Wackyracer

I'd be fairly certain it's where the lower UJ bolts to the rack in the footwell. Very common fault on these. Ideally buy a new pinch bolt and nut and tightened to the correct torque. but, you might be OK just to just re tighten the original to the specified torque setting.

08 Combo Van - Steering 'Clonk' Noise - peterc2

Thanks for that advice. I'll give it a go. Having had a look there's a hell of an offset between the column and the rack, so the universal joints take quite a hammering.

Regards

peterc2

08 Combo Van - Steering 'Clonk' Noise - Wackyracer

My van had exactly the same problem when I bought it at 4 years old, bolt was removed cleaned and re torqued with a dab of loctite. Still fine 5 years on.

It was on the MOT as movement in the inner track rod end, shows how good some MOT inspectors are doesn't it?

08 Combo Van - Steering 'Clonk' Noise - peterc2

That was it! I checked the bolt and it wasn't particularly tight. I gave it half a turn and the clonk is no more. Many thanks for your help.

peterc2