Loud harsh crashing bang from front of clipper when going over potholes

As the title says, most of the time the ride is good but there is a very loud crashing noise when a decent bump is negotiated. I was wondering if this might be a bush or strut issue. Car has just been through an MOT so should be ok???

Any thoughts on narrowing the fault down without just replacing all suspect items would be appreciated

Cheers

Si

What do you mean crashing noise, like a knocking, a jolt? Are you running coilovers/ lowered?

Knowles said

What do you mean crashing noise, like a knocking, a jolt? Are you running coilovers/ lowered?

The noise is like a really harsh bang or jolt coming from the front end only. The set up seems to be a standard Macpherson strut set up. The measurements are as follows;
40mm from tyre top to wheel arch edge or 330mm from wheel centre to wheel arch lip.

Hmm, I was just wondering whether it was thestandard noise of driving a low car on cheap coils. Are all the engine mounts intact? one hasn't broken?

I must admit I haven't looked but I would have thought it would bang under hard acceleration, it doesn't make any other noises under any other conditions. Only bangs when going over decent lumps and dips in the road.

I can find the front and 2 side mounts but cannot see the rear, those 3 are ok and I have tried to move the engine and it seems nice and firm?

Maybe the suspensions bottoming out? does it have bumpstops inplace? I'm far from an expert on this, hopefully someone else will come along to help..

I am still finding my feet on these, I am used to air-cooled dubs. I think I need a haynes or bentley book but I am unsure which to get for a 93 clipper? I had an old polo and it did the same thing, don't think I ever managed to sort it

bump stops knackered
Bert

Where is the bump stop so I can have a look at them? Are they inserts which sit over the shock absorber inside the spring? On the top of the bottom wishbone? Sorry if this is  simple, I need a workshop manual!

ye they sit on the piston rod of the shock absorber,theres a plastic cra.p cover attached to them
Bert

Ok, managed to get the car up in the air, the only thing I can find is if I jar the near side wheel up there is a very small taping noise as the strut top moves slightly. I would imagine this would cause a big knock when hitting a pothole?? Anyone got any thoughts? I will order the new strut top mounts if this sounds like the cause 

Also, if these do need replacing, I was thinking of getting this kit. Anyone tried these, are they any good?
http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Top-strut-mount-kit-MK1-Golf-Scirocco-Jetta-171498329A_act_shop.product_pID_44863814_lang_EN_country_GB.htm?crumbStartPage=3&crumbStartRow=29

Could also be worn shocks, when you take the strut off to replace the top mount check the shocks, if the move easily by hand then change them as well.

Will do, cheers. I have ordered new top mounts and bump stops, if the shocks are gone then I will replace them too.

For not much more than £100 you can replace front shocks, bump stops, dust covers, and top mounts.

If shocks are suspect I wouldn't waste time just replacing the top mounts. Whilst you have it in bits might as well replace shockers.

Make sure you use Febi top mounts.

Just ordered MEYLE top mounts from heritage, are these ok or are they not up to much?

Should be OK, I used some cheapy GSF/Eurocarparts mounts on my old Caddy. Within a few months the rubber had all deformed and gone mutant looking  

Cheers, when I did my beetle resto I used MEYLE stuff and it was decent quality....... So hopefully!!!