Thread: Front end clunk/click.

Originally Posted by silvermistgt2002

Seems to be a common problem judging by some of the other posts I have read. 2 problems currently with this car.

1. Clunk in front end while traveling at speeds of 15-40 mph when I hit bumps in the road. It has been getting worse over the last 6 months. I replaced the strut, mount and all that about 4 months ago due to bad struts, and thinking that might have been the problem. Did not fix the issue. also replaced the sway bar end links. Other thoughts at this point are either the control arms, or sway bar bushings.

2. Click in the front of vehicle, and under the driver side dash. this DOES NOT happen when I am driving, only when stopped and the wheel is moved back and forth quickly. I can feel it in my feet, and in the wheel. It did have a very slight almost not noticeable click when I bought the car in 2011 but it also has gotten worse. Both front out tie rods are new, now play in anything when I checked the inner tie rods. My thoughts at this point are the steering shaft, or steering rack bushing. I don't think its the rack because the steering is still perfect with no dead spots, or hard to turn spots.

Thoughts?

I have both of these noises on my car and I haven't been able to fix them yet.

#1 I think my version of your problem may be my brake pads jumping around in the caliper. Try applying the brakes lightly and hitting your favorite bump; did the noise go away? It did for me! Now you just have to learn to ride your brakes under 40 mph.

#2 I found the exact same issue with my car last year. Since it only does it when shimmying at stop condition, I stopped shimmying the wheel while stopped (it still annoys me though)! In all seriousness, it sounds like you've replaced or checked a lot of the usual suspects and some of the things I thought about replacing.

I'm very curious to know what you are able to find on either of these issues. Keep us informed of any progress!

I will keep you posted. I think I am going to do the Control arms, sway bar bushings, and steering shaft. So hopefully that will take care of the problem.