The Clunk Is Back!

[Grifter]

I cant defeat it, no matter what I replace I cannot make my front end shut up.

I have replaced the SFB's, F/R swaybar links, ball joints, and finally installed the new knuckle and the SOB is still making noises. It's more of a rattle this time, but I can feel it under my feet, and it def. sounds/feels like somethings loose. I havent been able to jack up the car yet and see if it's something minor but lets say I cant find anything, which I probably wont, what can it be!? Motor mount? What?!

Thanks for any help.

 

[sideSHO]

I have a clunk from below too.I think it's motor mounts for me.
To check for a bad motor mount.
Open the hood
Set parking brake
Select a high gear
and slowly let out on the clutch
Look under the hood at the intake while letting out on the clutch,the motor should'nt move but a 1/2" or so in forward or reverse.

www.shotimes.com had a procedure write up if mine is not clear enough.
Hope this helps,and good luck

 

[Grifter]

I have tried to check the motor mounts before. I think I should do it again...

 

[Slo-Sho]

Strut rod bushings...they are commonly overlooked.

 

[Electricat]

Another thing to check is for the exhaust whacking against the floorboards. Worn or broken hangers can allow this to happen, and it is often overlooked when searching for elusive clunks!

 

[PROPHET]

May be as simple as a loose nut on the suspension, raise that sucker on stands and double check every nut and bolt, check your inner and outer ties rods, www.shotimes.com for procedures on what to check on suspension for what youve described.

Good luck.

 

[Grifter]

Strut rod bushings...they are commonly overlooked.

I forgot to mention that those are brand new too. I have brand new suspension, with all the hardware; Bushing and Struts bearings.

I was thinking that it would be the exhaust too. Like I said I have to get it in the air.

 

[Grifter]

I got the car up in the air, everything looks tight. The only thing that looked fishy was that the strut rod bushing isnt tight, I couldnt tghten it though, I dont have an airgun. I did the motor mount test and although I havent seen what a bad motor mount would look like, it seems fine.

One of the biggest reasons why I think it's coming from the right side is because when I go up my driveway, driverside first, you can hear it! So that would lead me to believe it's coming from there. Could it be the strut rod? That's the only thing that I could think of now, I'm hoping it's not the motor mounts.

BTW: Slo-Sho: I just realized what you meant by strut rod, I thought you were talking about the strut bearing.

 

[DHMag]

have you checked for a loose parking brake cable ?

 

[Grifter]

have you checked for a loose parking brake cable ?

No...

 

[DHMag]

No...

when you start hearing the noise, push on the parking brake. dont completely engage the brake while moving, but just enough so that you feel the car slow down.

 

[Grifter]

when you start hearing the noise, push on the parking brake. dont completely engage the brake while moving, but just enough so that you feel the car slow down.

Ok, thanks.

 

[SuperSho92]

i have the EXACT SAME PROBLEM. i have replaced EVERYTHING...and its driving me nuts. its a horrible clunk that occurs when i go up teh driveway. it sounds like it is coming from the right side....and it sounds HORRIBLE! i dont know what else to replace/check...please let me know if discover the answer!

 

[Sho-N-Go]

I believe the source of the "mysterious" front end noise are coming from the strut rods. They go through the frame in the front. well on the back sides they break loose and rattle,clunk and just pain old make noise. The have to be welded back to the frame. just because the stuff is new doesnt mean the hole in the frame is ok. Many people overlook this stuff

 

[SuperSho92]

funny you say that...that is what i have deduced is the problem. I would like to have it welded tomorrow. according to the info that i have found it should be able to be welded by merely removing the nut, washer, and front bushing, and welding it back to the frame. am i wrong in believing this?

 

[DHMag]

why weld a rod that deserves a bushing ?

 

[CheckerSHO]

I think its part of the subframe that breaks off that needs to be re-welded, not the rod itself.

 

[DHMag]

hmm, must be a northern thing....

 

[Bizzy]

yeah I think it is a northern thing. Before I get my SF powder coated I'm going to be having those areas welded for a little added strength and so they never come apart. My SF only has minor surface rust but I can see what ppl have spoke about with that strut rod.

Sorry to hear that you've still got the noise there Marc.

 

[SuperSho92]

Grifter

I FIXED IT! after all the work/money all it required was a $30 weld. the strut rod sleeve (for lack of better terms) needed to be re-welded to the frame (as has been mentioned in this post). if you need a diagram/TSB i have one and will be more than willing to send it to you (it tells you EXACTLY how to fix the problem). good luck!