Front End Clunk and Clank

[supradjza80]

uppers are zero, lowers have a little play, i think it is like .5-1mm. I will look for sure in the morning, it is in the Front axle and suspension section.

 

[supradjza80]

ok i looked it up, the lower ball joint can have a maximum of .3mm (.012in) of vertical play.

 

[theKnifeArtist]

How about the plastic caps that go on the steering knuckle? I recently had a similar issue and it turned out to be these plastic caps on the knuckle.

I don't know what the correct name is but I put some grease on that bolt and the noise went away, so then when I looked at the parts catalog and noticed that I did not have these caps. part# is 45619-14020.

Good luck!

the steering stop caps? i have heater hose on them, it works great, as i stated before.


ok so whats left that could be clunking..

-tie rods
-rack bushings
-endlinks(?)
-strut mounts

any more info about bad strut mounts?

 

[87nasupra]

uppers are zero, lowers have a little play, i think it is like .5-1mm. I will look for sure in the morning, it is in the Front axle and suspension section.

Close, but as supradjza80 stated and as my old alignment book says specs can be max 0.3mm........revisions in my newer alignment book state 0.25mm. Rack bushings should be purchased from toyota or napa IMO....pepboys, advance auto and o'relllys bushings are too thick and will move as they shrink later on causing a floating rack and scary movement while driving. Ask me how i know.

Strut mounts can be bad on a ANY car.....it has to do with the bushing/bearing inside the housing. Our mounts have a bearing. If you can shake your car side to side and see the center of your strut mounts move side to side, more then likely they are bad. Swing by an auto repair shop and have it checked out. Tires Plus, where i work, will do a complete TPVI ( tires plus vehicle inspection ) for $19.99. Tell them you have a clunk and to check for it while they inspect it. Ask to have a Master Technician check the car for you and advise you what it is.

 

[taid79]

the steering stop caps? i have heater hose on them, it works great, as i stated before.


ok so whats left that could be clunking..

-tie rods
-rack bushings
-endlinks(?)
-strut mounts

any more info about bad strut mounts?

sorry I guess I missed that part. So after torquing the end links did it still have play? If thats the case you can pick some up from our vendors such as BIC performance.

For the strut mounts, have you visually inspected them? Like if you have TEMS, pop off the caps and looked to see any obvious cracks or signs of wear?

The outer tie rod ends should be easy to check. Just jack up the front end and grab the tie rod end and check for looseness.

Good luck!

 

[chopstickz]

it happens to my MK4 as well, someone told me it could be the engine mount. or it could me shock. This is supposed to be common on Mk4's. I'm getting Megan Racing Coilovers and TRD Engine Mounts soon so i'll know.

http://mkiv.com/techarticles/front_end_popping_noise/index.html