I almost hate to post something like this because it's too general but anyone have any ideas what could be causing clunking sounds from the front end when driving on rough roads ? The dealer suggested news struts, the local Indy said not needed yet. I checked the obvious things like something loose in the trunk, but found nothing.

 

C2 or C4?

 

Loose mount?

 

C2.

When you say "loose mount" do you mean engine ? It sounds like it's coming from the front of the car, not the rear.

 

I know you said you checked for loose items, but look again. Is the spare secured? If it still has the fabric cover over it, is there a tool kit or something else inside?

 

Strut mount (top)?

 

I had some clunking in the front, had it up on a lift and went around tapping, gently banging the suspension with a rubber hammer. It became obvious that it was one of the sway bar drop links as it had a sound to it. You could see it also, one of the bushings looked punctured compared to the other side. Recommend checking those as they are wear parts.

These things


Also this is a common issue, a friend got this, sprayed some silicone lubricant into the bushing and the sound was gone.

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post11380303

 

Great place to start the search.

 

I was thinking strut mount. you wont be able to check it unless you get is off the ground. I like the rubber hammer approach suggested by Arne. I have an annoying "creak" in my front suspension that is driving be bonkers. I know how you feel.

 

I went back and looked at my service records and started comparing the various "items that need to be fixed/replaced". Interestingly enough a different shop that does tire mounting as an approved Tire Rack installer had told me my sway bar links were bad and needed to be replaced. Any thoughts on this causing the noise ? Considering the dealer and the other Indy couldn't agree on the struts, I'm thinking this could be the culprit.

 

Arne, is that what you meant as well ?

 

put your car up on jacks and check out the sway bar links then

 

Everything else aside, I want to add this:

If the clunk seems to go away when the car is "cold", but come back after a long / hard drive, then it's likely your INNER tie rods.

 

Well, I replaced the struts and the sway bar links(brakes were done as well since it was there), so even though it was an expensive repair, the guys at AutoEdge in the Twin Cities, MN did a great job. The car feels tight and drives like new. Wow, what a difference.

 

Nice. As I like to say, "Clunk is bunk."