Front driver wheel clunking

[LookAtThatSHO]

I'm noticing more and more when I drive over bumps on the road I can hear a clunking noise coming from what sounds like the front driver's side wheel. I was just underneath the car about 1500 or so miles ago during an oil change, because the mechanics had it up on a lift and noticed that the tie rod ends were going bad on both front wheels. I thought this was peculiar since I just changed both of them last summer along with the end links, and I don't drive like I'm on the track everyday! But in any event, is it possible that this clunking could be due to a bad tie rod end? Instincts are telling me it could be a bad ball joint or even worse strut rod bushings (my SHO just hit 162,*** miles), but I guess I'm just curious at this point and am wondering if anyone has had this same problem before.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[SHOtimer]

If your ball joints and strut rod bushings are original I would be highly suspect of those first. Endlinks and tie rod ends are fairly easy though to inspect and see if they are the problem. I'd pull off the wheels and check those out first.

Doug

 

[LookAtThatSHO]

Can ball joints go bad in just a years time? I just replaced the drivers side control arm last winter... Hmm

 

[LookAtThatSHO]

Here's a pic (passengers) when I replaced the front struts... I just want to make sure everyone knows what I'm talking about, the bar thats coming out from the subframe connecting to the control arm. If those bushings are bad (the ones connecting to the control arm), could that cause the clunking?

 

[MD Ever]

Yes, and most likely the strut rod reciever in the subframe will need to be welded. See the sticky at the top of this section called "just joined the broken subframe club". Just did this on mine. Started as a clunk over bumps or when turning on an incline then turned into a hideous clunk all the time. Mine completely broke and had to be replaced with the repair kit Moog makes. Good luck.

 

[LookAtThatSHO]

Yes, and most likely the strut rod reciever in the subframe will need to be welded. See the sticky at the top of this section called "just joined the broken subframe club". Just did this on mine. Started as a clunk over bumps or when turning on an incline then turned into a hideous clunk all the time. Mine completely broke and had to be replaced with the repair kit Moog makes. Good luck.

Is this an easy weld reaching in to the subframe to contact the receiver?

 

[MD Ever]

The part you weld is on the outside of the frame. If you pull the nut, washer and bushing from the front you should be able to see the lip of the receiver. It is that lip you will need to weld.

 

[MD Ever]

Here's a picture of mine with the Moog kit installed (passenger side)...

The lip on the factory receiver cup is not nearly that wide but you get the picture.

 

[92inPA]

You can learn how to do the welding repair here… Strut Rod Repair pdf.

Or if you would rather use the Moog repair, go buy two Moog kits #K8737 (Front Suspension Kit). Russ has them for $65 /ea….
RCM Automotive

 

[LookAtThatSHO]

Wow thanks for the info everyone!