Clunking from front suspension

[cardudeusa]

I have the strangest problem. When I take off from a stop I can feel a clunking in the gas pedal, if I hit a bump I can hear and feel a clunk in the floor board, also sometimes even at a stop it will clunk. If I push on the passenger side fender my car bounces really bad, but if I push on the drivers side its really stiff. Any ideas? I don't want the tire falling off due to a ball joint or something.

 

[Marlboro_Man]

Check the ball joints, wheel bearings, and all the front end bushings including the ones on the sway bar.

Then check struts.

 

[cardudeusa]

Bearings are new. Whats the easiest way to check the ball joints?

 

[HISSIN50]

Sounds like the bouncy side has a blown strut. Look for fluid leakage, etc.

Do you have OEM ball joints (do you have wear indicators on yours - that's be OEM)? Or aftermarket (which might have a non-owner installed zerk fitting)?
You check the two ball joints for slop differently.

Good luck.

EDIT:
Forgot to ask: if it's a lighter noise, check the end links. If heavier (I had the feeling it was a more resonant thud), then things like Ball joints are a place to look.

 

[86bluecobra]

i was also going to suggest checking the link bars on your sway bar. You could have one not hooked up anymore.

 

[TC93]

Also check the transmission mount... Clunking could be when the load is put on the drivetrain..

 

[rd]

Sounds like the sway bar end link or mount bushings are gone on one side.

The bouncy part sounds like one strut has lost it gas and fluid. I had that once, very annoying, but Koni sent me 2 brand new ones under warranty!

 

[Flavadave4]

Maybe a wrech that has gotten caught in the front.....I know i have a few that got stuck there!

LOL

 

[88Stang331]

the bouncy side is more than likely a blown strut

 

[86bluecobra]

the bouncy side is more than likely a blown strut

if the struts are blown or atleast worn out and one side of the sway bar is not connected then one side will bounce more then the other. The question is does it feel wierd when you are cornering? if sway bar is not connected then cornering will not feel as good.

 

[cardudeusa]

I checked the sway bar, and its good. The pass strut is covered in oil, but would that make a clunking noise?

 

[srothfuss]

The strut has a leak so there is no pressure in it to dampen the motions of your car. When you break / accelerate / hit a bump to force of the spring is sending that wheel straight to bottoming out.

You needs new struts in the front to solve your problem.

 

[HISSIN50]

I would imagine that when you remove the strut, you have to physically pull it to get it extended to normal ride height - you're riding on the spring (or real close to it). Been there, done that (a couple times).

Good luck.