Clunking noise in the front end

[sachemo]

Hi all.

Over the past couple of weeks I've been hearing a clunking noise in the front end of my car. I read back through the forum and did a search but came up with nothing that sounded like my problem.

I notice the noise more often when I'm turning a corner, particularly at a slower speed (say under 20km ph). It tends to happen more when I turn right or the way of the drivers side. Does anyone have any ideas as to what could be the problem?

This is the only problem I've had with my ute since owning it. I've had the car for about six weeks now. Not good when you think about it. I've nearly done 1000k's. Not that there should be any problems with my car so far.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Cheers.

[turb06]

I may be wrong but it sounds kinda like a ball joint, if they still exist. You described a problem I had with an N13 pulsar I once had, and that was the ball joint, very bad news if they give way, even worse if your on the highway.

Even if I am wrong get this back to the dealer ASAP, because the last thing you want is potential problems with the steering.

[YOOT]

I would be more inclinded to think it is the radius rod bush. Its the bush that sits between the radius rod and the chassis of the car, it stop sthe front suspension for moving backwards and forwards under braking and when you hit bumps etc.

If the bush is worn (or faulty - split etc) then when you brake or turn the front suspension flexes and this rod moves in its socket and hits metal. That would be the clunk you hear.

Failing that, check for loose shocks, loose brake calipers, and have the ball joints tested for movement (highly unlikely though). Check that the wheel bearing isn't loose too. Simply jack the front tyre off the ground and grab it top and bottom with your hands and try to pivot it, if there is a destinct amount of movement, then you have a loose wheel bearing. All easy to tighten up, so don't stress.

[xrdreaming]

Mate, just try driving it around a carpark slowly and see if it makes the noise. If it does it will be the steering shudder some of us get, like a clicking grinding sound.

If it is that, your dealer will have a TSB about it, it's common and can be easily fixed at your first service and isn't a danger while driving.

TSB number 51/03 if I remember right.

[sixfan]

Had exactly the same thing. It was the swaybar pivot arm. it had sheared and allowed the swaybar to flex into the inside of the rim. Get underneath and look at the ends of the swaybar. I know of two others this has happened to.

Sixfan,

XRT6 phantom, scratched rim option......

[FORDTECH]

TSB number 51/03 if I remember right.

Your memory serves you well young one.

[twinxrs]

It could also be a loose engine mount - had this problem with one our cars...

[Guest cul08r]

My car has had this symptom for 4 weeks now, since I picked up the car from getting new diff and brake shudder fixed. I had it back to the dealer who said that it was a bad shock and blamed it on my aftermarket suspension. They actually refused to fix it and said I should take it to whoever installed the springs/swaybars. Now that's service.

I am trying another dealer tomorrow (booked in) and hopefully they will at least have a look at the car and let me know what they need to replace. I would be suprised if it is a shock, as it definately sounds like a broken swaybar mount or some other heavy clunk, not a rattle like a shock can do.

After telling me about the swaybar connect problem, the original dealer told me that any probs are not covered cos of my suspension. I said even the ones that are known faults and have been reported by other people and he said yes. Now that's just bad service.

I will let you know tomorrow night what happens and what it costs me.

Andrew

[turb06]

My car has had this symptom for 4 weeks now, since I picked up the car from getting new diff and brake shudder fixed. I had it back to the dealer who said that it was a bad shock and blamed it on my aftermarket suspension. They actually refused to fix it and said I should take it to whoever installed the springs/swaybars. Now that's service.

I am trying another dealer tomorrow (booked in) and hopefully they will at least have a look at the car and let me know what they need to replace. I would be suprised if it is a shock, as it definately sounds like a broken swaybar mount or some other heavy clunk, not a rattle like a shock can do.

After telling me about the swaybar connect problem, the original dealer told me that any probs are not covered cos of my suspension. I said even the ones that are known faults and have been reported by other people and he said yes. Now that's just bad service.

I will let you know tomorrow night what happens and what it costs me.

Andrew

that's is piss poor service, if he was that hell bent on blaming you, he could have at least put it up on the hoist and shown you how your suspension mods have caused the problem, because if it wasnt from your mods its still covered under warranty.

If it turns out he is wrong, make sure you mention the dealers name on this forum.

[Guest cul08r]

I am sure that most people here know where I go - used to go - for service, and I will be mentioning it if the outcome is different tomorrow. I was shocked that the service manager told me different to the guy that came for a drive in the car with me. He tried to say that the shock was damaged from being allowed to drop too far on full travel. Now with the lowered coils, the shock can not reach full extension and it still has the factory bump stops (uncut) and cannot bottom out either on full compression. How the hell can damage occur in those circumstances?

And this is also the place that had 'removed debris' from my interior fan twice, (heater box) charged me both times, yet the problem continues. I am yet to have the fan replaced and I will see what the difereent dealer says tomorrow.

At least the diff they installed is quieter...even though they left some bolts un-torqued in that process.

Andrew