Hello all,

My name's Adam, just signed up and more importantly just bought my first Bentley an 04 continental GT in Black shown below.

Love the car so far but 250 miles into ownership I've developed a suspension knock. Now I'm attempting to self diagnose before I get chance to get it on a lift.

It's just had a driver's ARB link arm before I bought it, which is visibly brand new. If I take a speedbump square there is no knock. If I take a speedbump with one side in the gutter then there is a knock. And also when I hit potholes bumps on the road with one side then there is a knock.

if I dial the suspension into sport the problem is reduced but is still there on larger bumps.

My suspicion is a worn bush, but can anyone point me in the direction of potentially which to inspect?

Or is Theresa a possibility this is a air strut issue. Doesn't feel like a top bearing though?

Thanks in advance!

 

Hi Adam.

Welcome to the forum.
Hopefully someone will be along to try and pinpoint your problem.
Fortunately, I haven't had that kind of problem on mine in nearly 4 years of ownership, (touch wood).

There are some good Indie mechanics around the UK too, so no need for the main stealers.

Les.

 

While I agree it could be a bushing, check the ball joints. If it is a wheel bearing, you should be able to hear/feel it when you turn sharply.

 

Thanks Les my step dad is an MOT tester with a repairs garage asking, so hopefully a mechanical issue with suspension he should be able to pinpoint. But he openly admits he's not worked on one of these before.

PMS I recently had a wheel bearing on my daily beater Mondeo. It doesn't feel like that. If it was a wheel bearing it would be a constant noise would it not?
I'll check the ball joints but am I right in thinking that they can only be replaced by replacing the wishbones?

 

I'm just in the process of replacing my left front wheel bearing. We discovered it while trying to do an alignment. I can only hear it when I'm turning to the right and loading the bearing. I'm sure that a bearing that's severely worn will make noise all the time, but in the early stages I believe you'll only hear it while turning. There is no play in the wheel nor any noise when the car is on The hoist, but I do hear a click when I go over a speed bump. My bushings are fine as they have all been replaced.

 

I haven't replaced the ball joints on my car, but after checking the IETIS service manual, I don't see any requirement to replace the wishbone at the same time. We are changing the wheel bearing next Monday (May 15/2017) and we'll have to release the ball joint. If you wish, I can report back to confirm what I'm telling you here.

 

Good point on the wheel bearing but my car makes this noise with the wheels square and if I corner on an even surface there is no noise. So doubt it's a wheel bearing, yes if you could let me know, any knowledge is good knowledge.

Also to fellow continental owners I have VCDS and the cable if anyone needs to use it, based in Derbyshire. 😀

 

I just checked is mine still in garage

 

I think it could be anti roll bar issue.

 

Nice motor Kes!

Yes that's what I'm thinking too, will hopefully find out tomorrow and will update.

 

Thanks, yours too mate.

 

Don't forget to check control arm bushings.

 

Very beautiful car! Nice find!

I had some knocking sounds and was caused by control arm failure. I forgot if it was lower or upper.

 

Well the source of the problem was very easily spotted once on the lift. The rear upper control arm bushes are at fault, excessive play on those. Left and right, so since I've only had the car two weeks I've contacted them and they've arranged for it to be repaired by Paul Mackley engineering in Nottingham.

Anyone dealt with them before?

He says he's done them loads of times before and has a method of cutting the bolt that goes through the bush so he can change the arm without removing the entire air strut assembly.

My question is, is this okay to drive with or is it best left in the garage?