Clucking/Ratteling when pulling away

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My Name: daniel101

Member
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2021 7:07 pm
Model: C3 2013-2017 Facelift A51
Year: 2013 (63)
Engine Size: 1.2
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 125000
Trim Level: Other
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: Steering wheel on the right
Engine name: EB2F PureTech 3-Cylinder (82 PS)

Post

Hi everyone!

I am new to the forum. I am from South Africa and own a 2013 Citroen C3 1.2VTi with 203 000km.
I have a problem I can not resolve.
When pulling away, there is a rattle/clucking coming from the front suspension which can be felt through the steering wheel.
I have replaced the shock absorbers, ALL the bushes, and the drop links but the problem still persists.
Also, token a prybar and checked for play on all the suspension components, but I can not see anything out of place.
I have taken the car to several garages but they can not find anything wrong.
Does someone have the same problem as I am, and maybe have a solution.
Thanks in advance
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My Name: Ozvtr

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Posts: 1187
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:31 am
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2003 (53)
Engine Size: 1.4 (8v)
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 80000
Trim Level: Other
Gearbox: Automatic PRND
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD
Engine name: TU3 (75 PS)
Location: Brisbane, Australia.
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You said "clucking"! Do you mean clunking, clicking or clucking?
If you mean clunking, that is typically suspension components but you say you have checked that. Checked the brake calipers? Checked ALL the engine mounts? Rock the engine backwards and forwards?
Clicking might be the C.V. joints but they usually click when you turn the steering wheel.
Is the noise proportional to the car speed, or engine speed? Does it just happen once as you pull away?
Clucking? Picked up a chicken somewhere? :lol:
My Name: daniel101

Member
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2021 7:07 pm
Model: C3 2013-2017 Facelift A51
Year: 2013 (63)
Engine Size: 1.2
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 125000
Trim Level: Other
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: Steering wheel on the right
Engine name: EB2F PureTech 3-Cylinder (82 PS)

Post

The noise happens when pulling away using just the clutch and no throttle. Also, when turning right or left and low speeds (10km/h) in first gear, you can feel the vibrations through the steering wheel.
It is not a clicking sound so I doubt that it could be the CV.

I have checked over all the suspension components and can not find any play using my prybar. All looks good underneath.
I can only think of the outer tie rod ends, which is still original with 203 000km. Although they look fine, I may consider replace them this week as they are not that expensive at the dealer at R120 each.

I have heard that it is a common problem on the C3's. But no one I have spoken to has found a solution as yet.
User avatar
My Name: Ozvtr

Moderator
Posts: 1187
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:31 am
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2003 (53)
Engine Size: 1.4 (8v)
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 80000
Trim Level: Other
Gearbox: Automatic PRND
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD
Engine name: TU3 (75 PS)
Location: Brisbane, Australia.
Has thanked: 58 times
Been thanked: 347 times

Post

It sounds like the CV joints, but if you are satisfied it's not them, we should move on.

The only other thing I can think of is the sway bar. Some have been known to slide sideways in the rubber mounts and contact the wheel/brake caliper/knuckle. Sorry It's all i've got. The suspension is pretty simple and therefor not much can go wrong.
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