Clunking noise in front suspension
#1
Track Day
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Houston
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Clunking noise in front suspension
I noticed a clunking noise from the front right when going over bumps. When I stand in the door sill and jump up and down it sounds as though the shock is loose. I have checked the bolts on the strut top and the shock itself and they are fine. With the tire off the ground, if I use a pry bar between the top of the spring and the shock tower, there is definitely play.
The ball joints are fine and there's no play in the wheel bearing from what I can tell.
Any suggestions on how to further troubleshoot?
Here is a shot of the suspension.
Thanks!
The ball joints are fine and there's no play in the wheel bearing from what I can tell.
Any suggestions on how to further troubleshoot?
Here is a shot of the suspension.
Thanks!
#2
RL Technical Advisor
Any suggestions on how to further troubleshoot?
I'd also recommend inspecting your swaybar drop links and bushings.
#3
Banned
i HAD AN ISSUE WITH STABILISERS FOR THE ARB - aka Front Rollbar.
Very hard to see Until removed
Then i found a rip in the rubberBoot = Clunk metal on Metal.
These have to come off before you can remove front bar
Part 343 069 00 - see drawings
Additionally, if the front struts have recently been off ?
Maybe someone forgot to add a spacer>? on the re-install.
I changed my front ARB or sway bar Bushings while I was in there
No more clunks for me.
TJ
Very hard to see Until removed
Then i found a rip in the rubberBoot = Clunk metal on Metal.
These have to come off before you can remove front bar
Part 343 069 00 - see drawings
Additionally, if the front struts have recently been off ?
Maybe someone forgot to add a spacer>? on the re-install.
I changed my front ARB or sway bar Bushings while I was in there
No more clunks for me.
TJ
#4
Banned
see PET Part # 7
i HAD AN ISSUE WITH STABILISERS FOR THE ARB - aka Front Rollbar.
Very hard to see Until removed
Then i found a rip in the rubberBoot = Clunk metal on Metal.
These have to come off before you can remove front bar
Part 343 069 00 - see drawings
Additionally, if the front struts have recently been off ?
Maybe someone forgot to add a spacer>? on the re-install.
I changed my front ARB or sway bar Bushings while I was in there
No more clunks for me.
TJ
Very hard to see Until removed
Then i found a rip in the rubberBoot = Clunk metal on Metal.
These have to come off before you can remove front bar
Part 343 069 00 - see drawings
Additionally, if the front struts have recently been off ?
Maybe someone forgot to add a spacer>? on the re-install.
I changed my front ARB or sway bar Bushings while I was in there
No more clunks for me.
TJ
#6
Similar noise on mine last year with RS top mounts the monoball had gone. I notice you have non standard top mounts (Tarret ?). On the dry lube ones the teflon lining can break up. Rennline ones are easy to service RS ones are not.
#7
Drifting
Haven't had this problem myself, but two quick thoughts gleaned from posts I've seen before:
1. Does the spring top coil end have a spot it is supposed to be seated into? It could be popping in/out of this. Rotating the spring a bit might fix that.
2. As pointed out earlier, the ARBs.... Disconnect one/both ends and redo your test to see if noise is present. IF driving, be very careful...you've just changed your front end suspension dynamics rather drastically...
Further thought:
Does it do it via your doorsill bounce test only after you've jacked it up and dropped it back, or even if you've gone for a ride and come back, then immediately tested via door sill bounce? Jacking it up can stretch things out and the spring isn't re-seated yet as it would be after a good drive.
1. Does the spring top coil end have a spot it is supposed to be seated into? It could be popping in/out of this. Rotating the spring a bit might fix that.
2. As pointed out earlier, the ARBs.... Disconnect one/both ends and redo your test to see if noise is present. IF driving, be very careful...you've just changed your front end suspension dynamics rather drastically...
Further thought:
Does it do it via your doorsill bounce test only after you've jacked it up and dropped it back, or even if you've gone for a ride and come back, then immediately tested via door sill bounce? Jacking it up can stretch things out and the spring isn't re-seated yet as it would be after a good drive.