Front End Knocking/Clicking noise

[Xab]

Hi all,

Was hoping for some advice on a knocking/clicking noise coming from the front end drivers side of my 2007 Pajero, 3.8 v6, petrol, manual, 144xxxkm on the clock.

The issue does not occur straight away when I start driving, last weekend when I used the car it started to make the knocking noise about 50 minutes to 1 hour of driving (stopping and starting and motorway driving) approx 70km (it has also done this on previous journeys) . It is perfect up until this point.

It is not an overly loud noise but you can easily hear it when in the car driving, It happens when driving anywhere between 0-80kph, it happens when braking and not braking, when acceleration and when coasting, when driving straight or turning and on flat road. All of these times it doesn't seem to get any louder. Basically when the car is moving.

I have been below the car and checked all front end bolts are tight, brakes are in good condition with plenty on the pads, suspension is sound, ball joints sound, steering rack sound, all track rod ends etc appear good. Basically everything looks fine.
The only thing I did notice was when I grabbed the front drive shafts I can move them side to side horizontally ever so slightly (a few mill at most) and they make a metal to metal sound when I do that, should drive shafts do this?
I am thinking the issue is driveshaft related and was going to remove the CV boots to ensure there is plenty of grease in there but is there any point in doing that if the gaitors are in perfect condition(no splits, rips etc and no sign of leaked grease)

I'm pretty sure its coming from the front drivers side.

Other things I have read up on and don't think it could be are the brake master cylinder and ABS accumulator (they are on the front right of the car)

Any suggestions as to what it could be would be great.

Thanks Guys

[GrumpySmurf]

I have basically the same model with basically the same noise! The only thing I can add is that it appears to only happen IF the weather is hot - over 30 degrees. The sound can also be heard if stationary and you turn the steering wheel very slightly if it's hot weather.

[spot01]

I have basically the same model with basically the same noise! The only thing I can add is that it appears to only happen IF the weather is hot - over 30 degrees. The sound can also be heard if stationary and you turn the steering wheel very slightly if it's hot weather.

If you can make the noise start by putting pressure on the steering wheel whilst stationary, I wonder if it is the power steer belt or pump? Is the fluid level correct?

[1_johnboy]

I had this issue with mine, could not pin point the issue. So as a last resort I tightened the drive shaft nuts....never heard it again. Could be worth a shot.

[Xab]

I have checked all my levels and all are ok. Thanks for the replies so far, my car actually never did this during winter so its only happening in warmer weather too. Will check of driveshaft bolts and steering further this weekend hopefully and reply if I find the issue.

[Xab]

Guys, could a faulty EGR valve sensor cause the problem I'm experiencing? When I turn my ignition on before firing her up it clicks about 10 times then stops.
Couldn't find anything else other than this when looking at the weekend.

[DukeNukem]

I have the exact same issue and have had for about eighteen months. Only ever does it in hot weather.... all winter, never heard a thing. Last week when we had our first few warm days, it was back with a vengeance. Not sure about the EGR sensor - just last week I had a full EGR system/manifold clean out after limping into MTQ... on the drive home, it was 37 degrees and clicked/ticked like a bastard. Drove it last night when it was cooler - nothing.

I'd be keen to see if there are any other suggestions if anyone has any as its bloody annoying...

[Garc]

I know this is going to sound silly but hang in there. Check the centre caps on your Mits wheels. Mine were very loose and made ticking noise especially if the window was open and ther was a wall or kerb on that side. I glued mine up with a couple of spots of PVA from the back when I was chasing wheels.

[Amok]

My new NX has this too. Exactly as you guys described, seems to only occur when the car has been driven for a while or when its a hot day. Sounds like a coathanger tapping on the chassis.
NFI what it could be.

[Silverfox]

One thing to check is the underbody bash plate. Its held in place by 4 bolts but there is also a rubber grommits that sit in the bash plate and the bolts pass through the grommit.

What can happen is that the grommit is not sitting in place properly or is gone altogether and the result is the plate vibrates and hits the oil pan or other bits of the underbody.

The grommits provide clearance between the plate and underbody, if they are not in place properly vibration and flexing can create the knocking/taping by the plate.

Happened to me twice.

Cheers

[ShaneSuffolk]

I had the exact same problem and imeadiatly thought CV joints so I bought 2 new drive shafts ( This was a mission in itself) and replaced them. I thought my problem was solved....

But no, the noise returned after it heated up a bit. I was not happy at all !!!!!
So after spending much time thinking and crawling under the car I found it.

It's the rear bush in the RH front upper suspension arm.

The bush is positioned very close to the engine bay and gets very hot and dries out the grease in the bush. After a 40 min drive it was about 60°C at the bush.
The noise is transmitted through the suspension arm, down the steering upright and to the thin metal brake disc shield that then vibrates and amplifies the noise like a speaker cone.
I squirted some lanolin spray into the bush and the noise has not returned for the last 2 weeks.
Eventually I will replace the bush and pivot pin.
I will see if I can fit a grease nipple to the washer on the side of the bush.

Just glad I found it. But annoyed I replaced 2 perfectly good driveshafts.

Hope this helps someone else.

Shane

[Xab]

Guys, I found the problem with my Pajero!!! Its was the front right upper ball joint. I replaced the front right upper and no more annoying knocking noise! Decided to replace the front left upper as well for good measure.....

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FRONT-RIGHT-UPPER-BALL-JOINT-FOR-MITSUBISHI-PAJERO-NM-NP-NS-NT-05-00-09-11-/131867638181?hash=item1eb3ec79a5:g:zCwAAOSwa~BYTwX3

To check if your upper ball joints might be the problem grab the top of the wheel and rock it in and out in the direction of the engine bay as hard as you can, if you hear a knocking then more that likely the ball joints are the issue, there should be no knocking noises at all. That's how i found that these were the problem on mine but as 'ShaneSuffolk' pointed out on the post above his was a different issue so may be worth also checking his suggestion if you believe your ball joints are ok.

Thanks for all the previous suggestions. I hope anyone with issues gets it resolved cheaply and easily!!

[GrumpySmurf]

I think mine is the same!! Front right top ball joint. Replaced both sides at $55 each for parts and 1.5 hours labour.

Guys, I found the problem with my Pajero!!! Its was the front right upper ball joint. I replaced the front right upper and no more annoying knocking noise! Decided to replace the front left upper as well for good measure.....

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FRONT-RIGHT-UPPER-BALL-JOINT-FOR-MITSUBISHI-PAJERO-NM-NP-NS-NT-05-00-09-11-/131867638181?hash=item1eb3ec79a5:g:zCwAAOSwa~BYTwX3

To check if your upper ball joints might be the problem grab the top of the wheel and rock it in and out in the direction of the engine bay as hard as you can, if you hear a knocking then more that likely the ball joints are the issue, there should be no knocking noises at all. That's how i found that these were the problem on mine but as 'ShaneSuffolk' pointed out on the post above his was a different issue so may be worth also checking his suggestion if you believe your ball joints are ok.

Thanks for all the previous suggestions. I hope anyone with issues gets it resolved cheaply and easily!!

[gaz1]

My NT 3.8V6 has developed a knock that seems to come from the right hand front area (ahead of the driver). It is roughly timed for once per wheel revolution, I guess and is most noticeable at about 10 km/hr. Putting my foot gently on the brake pedal will stop the noise, returns when the brake is released, and it also seems to disappear around 40 km/hr and above. It happens either in 2WD or 4WD/H - I haven't tried it with centre diff locked or in low range. It's become more noticeable in the past month or so, I first heard it probably six months ago but it seems to come and go. New discs and pads fittted all wheels about a year ago. I'm travelling with my van at present (bitumen travel) so can't get it easily onto a hoist or to a known mechanic, but will be home tomorrow and it's definitely getting more easily detected the past few days.
Any ideas?
Gaz

[matcs]

Old post but relevant..
Exact same thing with my 07 NS Pajero exceed diesel auto.
when ambient temperature was at 34-36c knocking, tapping, dull clunking, flap knock sound idling with AC on & when driving. Sound moved to opposite side I am turning & in centre area too.
Brake on/off at a stop (creeping forward on/off) causes it to
knock & rattle louder but after driving a air cooling things it goes away.
This is something to do with brakes on mine I believe because pedal isn’t holding firm when pressed… spongy it moves side to side like abs valves knock on lines but trying to get pressure back up.
Easy to think it’s something else since it sure doesn’t sound like it’s coming from hbb.
Anyone experienced this & found it’s the hydraulic brake booster or part of the brake system??