Clunk over small bumps on front left

jessekinsman · Post by **jessekinsman** » 18 Dec 2010, 15:02

Ok I have read as many posts as I could find about clunking in front on the 2000 Volvo V70 XC.

The clunking is happening when I drive over small bumps and is quite loud and only on the front left wheel. I don't, however, notice any clicking or ticking noises when turning. The car does shake a little when turning, especially in reverse.

My first thought was struts or springs seats. I lifted the car and tried to move the springs and they seem pretty solid. If i really wrench on them they will move a little bit but not much. Not sure how to check the struts. Not even sure struts would cause a clunking noise.

I then grabbed the CV Joint and noticed there is quite a bit of play in the inner joint on that side as compared to the other side.

I have never heard of a CV joint making a clunking noise but it sure seems like this is the problem. Has anyone else had this same issue and found it to be the CV joint?

Thanks
Jesse

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 18 Dec 2010, 16:08

Ball joints can make clunks over bumps if they are worn. Also look at the axle bushings.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 18 Dec 2010, 16:17

Places to look:

Sway bar end links - check for a sloppy connection at its ball joint. and also check that it is securely torqued down to the strut and the sway bar. I have seen a couple that just had a loose nut.

Spring seat - try grabbing the large inverted castle washer at the top of the strut tower and try to twist it. It should move very little if it is good.

As was said,

Ball joints and control arm bushings - they should have no slop at all.

Tie rod ends, they too should have no slop.

...Lee

cudatime71 · Post by **cudatime71** » 19 Dec 2010, 00:02

Just got rid of my rattling front end today. Had a loud rattle over small bumps from the front passengers side. Lift the hood and stand on the side of the rattle next to your tire. Reach in with both hands and grab the top of the tire and try and pull it outwards while watching the top of the strut. As I pulled the top of my tire out, it moved about an inch and the top of the strut moved around. I replaced the upper strut mount bearing and the top coil spring seat. Presto, no more rattling and now the wheel is tight. The upper bearing was shot. I hope this helps.

Post by **thecheat** » 19 Dec 2010, 07:38

If you can put your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock and attempt to turn the wheel left and right, that is probably the tie rod ends. If you can put your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock, that is likely ball joints.

I had to replace my ball joints and there was significant movement of the left wheel.

anmartin44 · Post by **anmartin44** » 19 Dec 2010, 19:32

+1 on the sway bar links. they definately make noise when they are bad. I've had good luck with Meyle HD ones from FCP Groton.

good luck,
Andrew

claymore850 · Post by **claymore850** » 23 Dec 2010, 21:57

Also check the sway bar rubbers, this unit is a one piece part, if you see cracked, loose or damaged you need to replace the entire unit. Its makes a clunk clunk ..metal noise at low speed, when the sway bar hits the support..

c900s · Post by **c900s** » 01 Jan 2011, 20:01

I would definitely chek the upper strut bearing. My V70XC had this problem until I replaced the struts at 94K.

John

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 01 Jan 2011, 20:57

claymore850 wrote:Also check the sway bar rubbers, this unit is a one piece part, if you see cracked, loose or damaged you need to replace the entire unit.

Looks like some-one has come up with a repair kit for the sway bar....found THIS on a UK parts supply site....costs about $60

Post by **lext** » 24 Apr 2016, 22:47

I currently have something very similar, the only difference is that mine is on the passenger side (or maybe the same side, if "left" means left from standing in front of the car looking in).
One thing I'm not sure about though, is that the clunking only happens when driving over bumps. There's no clunking when I bounce (push down and release) the front end of the car. Does that mean it's not the struts bearing? I imagine if it's that then bouncing up and down should produce the same sound.
I've already replaced the sway bar links but that didn't help. Next I'm planning to replace the tie rod ends but am having trouble taking it apart. If that still fails I'm thinking of replacing the struts .. unless someone says that "if bouncing car has no clunking then strut is fine".