Odd knocking on full lock

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
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  1. My model of MX-5 is: NC3.75
  2. I’m based near: Somerset
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Odd noise on turning

Here’s an odd one. 50k mile NC, meticulously looked after by previous owner (was a member here). I park nose first into my parking space so I reverse out, full lock. I’ve had instances of a rhythmic knocking happening as I’m reversing. First time I thought I’d run over something - it’s quite a sharp ‘thud’ that is both heard and felt. Second time I got a couple of thuds. This morning, when especially cold (-5) I got about six. Sometimes, when the car is warm, none. I’m convinced it is coming from the front wheel, I think it’s from whatever side is outside the turn. I can see nothing amiss or broken, and it is possible it’s coming from the rear (diff maybe?) and transferring through the transmission. Other than this the car drives and handles beautifully, no pulling or other issues.

I’m sure I’ll need to take it somewhere to get it on a ramp and see what gives, but wondering if anyone has either an ‘oh, they all do that’ or a clue as to what might be going on…

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It could be the tyres “skipping” on the surface on full lock. Does it change with surface type and dampness? A good wheel alignment would be my first port of call if it’s not been done.

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Could be but this is much more percussive. If it were FWD I’d say it was the universal joint binding. I know the car had a full alignment done not that many miles ago (<10k). It really is odd.

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Strangely I’ve had that on both of my NC’s and 07 plate and a 64 plate. Both had new drop links new brakes discs/pads over the time I’ve own them and one new suspension. I just put it down to the angle (slightly sloping) drive entrance and the angle I had to reverse out or in on full lock sometimes. It didn’t always do it either, a rare happening but such a crack/knock I thought a spring had snapped. Both cars ok, meticulously looked after, never had anything else happen like that, I never did find any cause, they both drove perfectly.

I did have a spring snap on a Vauxhall once, such a crack, same driveway same reverse angle

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