Front end clunks...

[Ed_PR5]

Hi all.

My car has developed a front end clunk when I turn the wheel almost all the way to the left (not so much to the right). This is noticeable at slow speeds and it doesn't make any noise when going over bumps at all. The links are new, so I'm guessing they are not the problem. NO the clunking didn't start with the installation of the new links FWIW.

Any ideas?

TIA

Ed

[slavrenz]

CV Joint

[slavrenz]

Wheel bearings

[Ed_PR5]

CV Joint

Thanks slavrenz, kinda suspected that... will look into it.

E.

[sethro_GT]

Is it a single clunk or clunk clunk clunk as the car rolls with wheels turned? Agree with the CV if it clunk clunk clunks. Strut/strut mount or wheel bearing. Though not sure on the wheel bearing, mine are shot (I an pretty sure) and I have no clunks just constant noise.

My 91 323 developed a clunk and for whatever reason the right strut shaft nut was loose all the sudden, tightened it down and fixed.

[Ed_PR5]

Is it a single clunk or clunk clunk clunk as the car rolls with wheels turned? Agree with the CV if it clunk clunk clunks. Strut/strut mount or wheel bearing. Though not sure on the wheel bearing, mine are shot (I an pretty sure) and I have no clunks just constant noise.

My 91 323 developed a clunk and for whatever reason the right strut shaft nut was loose all the sudden, tightened it down and fixed.

Sort of a double clunk. It also happens when I start rolling in rev, ie. going to back out of a parking space.

Thanks for the tips so far guys.

E.

[Ed_PR5]

The mechanic for the dealer I bought the car from couldn't hear what i was talking about until I had him sit in the car. He claimed that the bushings, links & swaybar were all new and there was no play in any of it. I have seen the parts in question on a hoist so I know that to be true. The mechanic then claimed that it could be the ball joint/boot, but the units are sealed, and he would have to drill a hole in order to put some grease in and then plug it.... does this sound reasonable at all to y'all?

TIA

E.

[SirDaft1]

Tough to say its a CV joint with your description. A bad CV joint usually sounds like like more of a *tick**tick**tick**tick**tick**tick**tick* and not so much a solid clunk noise like you specified. And from my experience every CV joint that has gone bad on me has been when the boot tears (from normal wear and tear over time) and the grease comes out, making it lose all of its lubrication.

[sethro_GT]

If you can duplicate it at slow speed have someone kneel by the front wheels and listen. Usually you can find the side and general area of the noise. Just did this on my brothers tacoma after doing the brakes, determined the pads hit the guide pins hard when he applies them, a loose pad hold down clip.