Front end clunk
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 507
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From: Reading UK
Front end clunk
1997 993 Targa Tiptronic S.
When I reverse the car out of my garage, and immediately turn the wheel to full lock (due to the shape of my driveway) I get a clunking sound from the front end. This only happens when the car hasn't been used for a few days, and once the car has moved forward and straight it doesn't happen again during a journey.
I had it looked at by the Porsche specialist who supplied the car, they could not find any play in any of the joints when it was up on their lift.
Any clues anyone?
TIA,
Steve.
When I reverse the car out of my garage, and immediately turn the wheel to full lock (due to the shape of my driveway) I get a clunking sound from the front end. This only happens when the car hasn't been used for a few days, and once the car has moved forward and straight it doesn't happen again during a journey.
I had it looked at by the Porsche specialist who supplied the car, they could not find any play in any of the joints when it was up on their lift.
Any clues anyone?
TIA,
Steve.
RL Technical Advisor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 11,870
Likes: 75
From: Portland Oregon
One thing that can cause that is a rust film forming on the rotors from sitting and the pads tend to stick to the surface of the rotor.
When you move the car, you hear the pads breaking loose from the rust film on the rotor and it doesn't recurr as the film is wiped away at the first application of the brakes.
When you move the car, you hear the pads breaking loose from the rust film on the rotor and it doesn't recurr as the film is wiped away at the first application of the brakes.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 507
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From: Reading UK
Thanks Steve.
Yes, I thought it might be something to do with the brake pads sticking, but decided it couldn't be that because it doesn't happen when I reverse straight backwards until the car is clear of the garage. It only happens when I then go to full lock to negotiate the bend in my driveway.
So, if you have any other thoughts, I'd be grateful.
Thanks again,
Steve
Yes, I thought it might be something to do with the brake pads sticking, but decided it couldn't be that because it doesn't happen when I reverse straight backwards until the car is clear of the garage. It only happens when I then go to full lock to negotiate the bend in my driveway.
So, if you have any other thoughts, I'd be grateful.
Thanks again,
Steve
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Rennlist Member
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,710
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From: Lexington, KY
Steve,
Your front sway (anti-roll) bar bushing brackets may be loose. This has happened to me on several occasions - exactly as you described.
I've also experienced a similar noise from the springs twisting in their perches on my PSS9 coilovers.
Good luck!
Your front sway (anti-roll) bar bushing brackets may be loose. This has happened to me on several occasions - exactly as you described.
I've also experienced a similar noise from the springs twisting in their perches on my PSS9 coilovers.
Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 775
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From: PeachState Region, GA
I've got the same symptom which I have yet to track down. The other thing which I have noticed, and is much more disconcerting is that when tracking the car I will occasionally get a loud 'clunk' while turning (not so bad) and the handling will go away for a brief moment (very bad feeling). Last time it happened I had a passenger, and he said it felt/sounded like the clunk came right from beneath his feet (LHD car).
I've jacked the car several times and can't find anything amiss. No undue play in the suspension components, and the springs (PSS-9) seem well seated.
I only ever get the sound while first starting if backing up, or while under hard cornering, (well hard cornering for me), it has yet to have occurred under 'normal' driving conditions.
I really want to get this thing sorted out! I will have a closer look at the sway bar mounts soon.
I've jacked the car several times and can't find anything amiss. No undue play in the suspension components, and the springs (PSS-9) seem well seated.
I only ever get the sound while first starting if backing up, or while under hard cornering, (well hard cornering for me), it has yet to have occurred under 'normal' driving conditions.
I really want to get this thing sorted out! I will have a closer look at the sway bar mounts soon.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 507
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From: Reading UK
Thanks guys, but ....
If it is a loose anti-roll bar bracket, how come it only makes the noise when the car is first used, and not after it has moved forward (i.e. I can go to full lock later in the journey, e.g. to park, and it doesn't happen)?
TIA,
Steve.
If it is a loose anti-roll bar bracket, how come it only makes the noise when the car is first used, and not after it has moved forward (i.e. I can go to full lock later in the journey, e.g. to park, and it doesn't happen)?
TIA,
Steve.
