F/L Suspension/Drive Noise???

[DigDeez]

I'm getting this bumping sound coming from the front drivers side wheel suspension area. I will mostly hear the noise while driving any speed while the steering wheels hits a certain point on its axis. If I'm going straight and then turn the steering wheel just 2-4 inches to the right, I'll always start to hear this metal-like bumping. If I'm going slow enough, if I take my foot off the gas while I'm hearing this noise, it goes away immediately....press back on the gas while the steering wheel is in the same position for the noise, and it comes right back.

However, at the same time, if I'm coasting at a low speed like 10-15, and the steering wheel goes into that certain same position, while foot off the accelerator, that sound will most of the time be heard.

My wheel alignment has been barely off for some months; the stab. link twist about 3/4 inch to both sides; the caliper and breaks look good.....

Any help or suggestions........

 

[DigDeez]

All these hits and no suggestions!? Not clear enough? :wave:




:cry: :wave:

 

[SHO SPD]

Not a real clear description. If it changes when the gas is applied. I would think its Constant velocity joint related. Yeah, sounds like outer cv joint. is the noise more defined with the wheel turned at parking lot speeds? If so thats what it is. if it clunks while accelerating its an inner.

 

[DigDeez]

Yeah, it's hard to explain something when you don't know what you're talking about. I was thinking cv joint myself, even though I'm not too familiar with the parts. I will hear the knocking sound when the steering wheel is turned ever so slightly to the right, like a inch or two. The sound and vibrations are felt more if gas is applied, no matter what speed I'm going. My alignment is off too, and seemed to get more off within the last two weeks which is when I started to notice this knocking and vibration.

Any quick way to check for inner/outer cv joint issues?

 

[SHO SPD]

I cant think of any other thing that it would be other than CV shaft. I wouldnt think the bearing would make a noise like you describe. So those would be my guesses. The fastest way to check outer joints is turning the wheel going slow, it will click if its bad. The inner under acceleration it will clunk. Im out of ideas for what else it could be

 

[pjtoledo]

Just about anything could cause suspension bumps and noises. Broken spring,,look close to the ends top and bottom,,,, tension arm cups seperating from the subframe, control arm and ball joint, subframe bushings, upper strut bearings. Try putting some greased pieces of metal (2 pieces with grease in between) under the tires and have a partner start turning while you look for parts moving around that shouldn't. If it always clunks at the same spot you should be able to identify it. And don't forget to kick the tire, dull thud sounds are ok, a sharp clack is something loose. Thats a good way to check the tension arm cups.

Perry

 

[DigDeez]

Man thanks for the input. Now I have a clearer picture. I've done all the visual testing, and all looks o.k. besides worn bushings that's been worn since I've had the car.

With what I've read, it could be both the outer and inner cv joints. I'll post when I get'ur done!!!

 

[DigDeez]

Had a mechanic take a look at it today. He doesn't think it's cv or axel related. He said I should have the tie rods, lower ball joint, and lower control arm replaced. My tie rods seem to only last 6 months at a time.

May try and tackle these repairs myself.

 

[DigDeez]

Well after a brief moment of trying to do it myself, I decided to just let a mechanic do the job.

I had the inner tie rod, sway bar, control arm w/ lower ball joint replaced.

The problem didn't all the way go away.

The only thing I can think of now is that it's axel related, I dunno?! I guess I'll replace the whole shaft on that side.

 

[SHO SPD]

Yup, replace the shaft.. that should have been the first thing to try.

 

[DigDeez]

Yup, replace the shaft.. that should have been the first thing to try.

Funny! I was telling myself the same thing after those other repairs didn't do the trick. A mechanic even suggested not doing the left drive shaft first.

I'll post with results when completed in a few days or so!

 

[DigDeez]

Problem Solved!!!!

Problem Solved!!!!

It was the wheel bearing! Yeah, it's not too hard to figure out if this part goes wrong, however. For some reason, from a few folks checking that wheel, the wheel bearing wasn't ruled out. But, this time, the mechanic said that the wheel bearing was severely damaged. Changed out that bearing and, Voila!!! Problem solved!!!

Thanks,