My C5 2008 2.0ltr deisel is a lovely car. The best Citroen I have owned and I have had Citroens since 1982. Its powerful, comfortable, economical and quiet. Unfortunately it has develped an annoying knock or rattle from the off side rear suspension when running over uneven road surfaces or shallow potholes or dropped grids. It occurs after encountering one of these obstacles at slow speed and the familiar thump of the suspension is followed by knock or rattle. When on motorways and fast roads the fault is not noticable at all nor when the car is rocked up and down whilst stationary. Someone said it could be the suspension link arm bushes, but having looked at the rear suspension (steel sprung not pneumatic) there are lots of link rods and what could be ball joints. I am reluctant to take it in until I know a bit more about the fault. Any advice would be welcome as would possible sources of literature or diagarms about the C5 suspension etc.

Sam Chappell, November 2011

Had the link rod replaced yesterday but the knock is still there. Ball joints were not worn and repairer says that it is most unlikely the suspension bushes are worn as the car has only done 31000 miles. Any suggerstions or do you think I am going to have to live with it?

SC, November 2011

Thank for the advice . Your suspicion that it could be a drop link problem corresponds with a diagnosis that a friend gave me. Could you describe what a drop link looks like and just what is its function and is it possible to indicate where in the multi link suspension assembly it can be found.

s.c, November 2011

that kind of noise from the rear is usually rear subframe bushes worn, but if it has drop links in the rear they can be a culprit..difficult to diagnose either when car is on a jack other than replacement...drop links are cheapest and easiest to replace...i suggest u go to an independant (cheaper) garage not a citroen stealership.

d, November 2011