Clunking from front suspension

cardudeusa

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Oct 22, 2002

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Jun 22, 2006

#1

• Jun 22, 2006

• #1

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.

 

M

Marlboro_Man

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Sep 30, 2005

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Houston, TX

Jun 22, 2006

#2

• Jun 22, 2006

• #2

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

Then check struts.

 

cardudeusa

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Oct 22, 2002

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Jun 22, 2006

#3

• Jun 22, 2006

• #3

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

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

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Nov 29, 1999

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Jun 22, 2006

#4

• Jun 22, 2006

• #4

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.

 

8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member

Dec 20, 2004

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Jun 22, 2006

#5

• Jun 22, 2006

• #5

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

 

TC93

Well-Known Member

Sep 11, 2000

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Ellerslie GA 31807

Jun 23, 2006

#6

• Jun 23, 2006

• #6

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

 

rd

Founding Member

Jan 12, 2000

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Ocean Springs MS

Jun 23, 2006

#7

• Jun 23, 2006

• #7

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

Active Member

Nov 28, 2003

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Utica, NY

Jun 23, 2006

#8

• Jun 23, 2006

• #8

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

LOL

 

88Stang331

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Mar 30, 2006

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Jun 23, 2006

#9

• Jun 23, 2006

• #9

the bouncy side is more than likely a blown strut

 

8

86bluecobra

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Dec 20, 2004

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Jun 23, 2006

#10

• Jun 23, 2006

• #10

88Stang331 said:

the bouncy side is more than likely a blown strut

Click to expand...

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

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Oct 22, 2002

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Jun 24, 2006

#11

• Jun 24, 2006

• #11

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

 

srothfuss

Last night I stabbed the same guy 7 times in a row

Oct 17, 2004

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Woodward Ave.

Jun 24, 2006

#12

• Jun 24, 2006

• #12

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

"How long does it take to get help in here?

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Nov 29, 1999

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Jun 24, 2006

#13

• Jun 24, 2006

• #13

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.