Front end clunk on FWD cars

[BearZDefect]

I have had a very light front end clunk going over bumps on my 97 i30 for a while, and so had a friend of mine with a 99 Camry.

On my i30 I've gone through the bottom end of the suspension, replacing some bushings and sway bar link, but the noise is still there.

Now I am wondering if this is coming from the top of the strut.

I've had the strut off the knuckle a few times and the assembly turns smoothly. I detect no strut bearing noise while turning the steering, so I'm confident the bearing is fine.

I have not removed the top strut mount yet. Are there soft parts in the top strut mount that could get old and worn, and introduce clunking sounds?

 

[leftlane]

I believe the strut mounts are the problem with my corolla as I also have the clunk noise, and I have already had the mounts replaced under warranty at only 32k miles. I checked the bolts and everything is tight so its probably the strut mount in my case and I wouldnt be surprised if it is with you also.

 

[mechtech2]

First check is the sway bar end links [or bushings]- broken or loose.
Ball joints and tie rod ends are next.

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: BearZDefect


I have not removed the top strut mount yet. Are there soft parts in the top strut mount that could get old and worn, and introduce clunking sounds?


There is usually a rubber to metal bonded bushing in the mounts that can get worn and sometimes clunk when it gets beyond tolerance. But a worn out strut can exhibit the same symptom. I would vote for the strut being bad as you really can't tell how much play is in the strut until you remove it and unload the spring. Then you may as well replace it for the trouble.

 

[BearZDefect]

Thanks for all the replies.

mechtech, I've changed the endlinks and bushings, removed the control arm and inspected its bushings and the ball joint. I couldn't find any problems or play.

PT1, thanks for the details, I will keep your advice in mind. I may unload the spring and find out one day. I agree that if I remove a spring I might as well replace the struts...

The struts are still damping perfectly, and I hesitate to replace good parts -- Partly due to the expense, but partly because sometimes the new parts have more problems than the old parts they replaced. Locally I see only Monroe and Gabriel.

 

[leftlane]

If the struts still work good then it shouldnt be the source. Could I be wrong?

Its the same case with me. Struts work well I just hear the clunk when backing out diagnally over a dip in my driveway with the steering wheel turned, otherwise I dont hear it when backing out with the steering wheel straight.

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: leftlane
If the struts still work good then it shouldnt be the source. Could I be wrong?

Its the same case with me. Struts work well I just hear the clunk when backing out diagnally over a dip in my driveway with the steering wheel turned, otherwise I dont hear it when backing out with the steering wheel straight.


Sounds like a bushing that could be a control arm, ball joint or strut or even stabilizer if you have one. You have to get it on a lift and get all the weight off and start wiggling all the connections. Take the wheel off with the car lifted a foot off the ground and start the engine and rotate the steering around with someone watching all the lower joints. See if there is any play in the lower joints/bushings. Could be a lot of things.

 

[BearZDefect]

Forgot to mention, I believe my tie rods joints are good too - absolutely no play in the steering. Isn't steering play a signature of tie rod wear? (I'm sure a rack problem could introduce play too.)

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: BearZDefect
Forgot to mention, I believe my tie rods joints are good too - absolutely no play in the steering. Isn't steering play a signature of tie rod wear? (I'm sure a rack problem could introduce play too.)


Yeah but I have had new vehicle control arm bushings make that same symptom so any bushings are suspect IMO.

 

[blackcherry06]

This was a recurring problem in my 02 Altima 3.5. First strut shot at around 3000 miles. It made a clunking noise traveling slow over small road irregularities..and when turning into my parking garage (left turn, over a hump and down a hill....THUNK). I could feel it like a sledghammer on the bottom of the floorpan. They considered it a fluke and replaced it. Then both fronts did it again at 9000. They looked up a TSB for "Out of spec suspension bolts", whatever that means that was basically causing struts to fail. I guess it was binding them out of alignment and every time they cycled, it caused acclerated wear. This problem caused 3 struts to go bad in 9000 miles....which is pretty serious IMO.

 

[leftlane]

PT1 that sounds good. Its been my plan for awhile to check under there I just need to get around to doing it. A good time will be when I install the new o2 sensors I just got.