Clunking sound front wheels

qwertyjjj · Post by **qwertyjjj** » 15 Sep 2020, 04:54

Not the first time this has happened.
The first time the mechanic repaired the top plates. A couple years later a different mechanic said it was a loose abs.
Common for the abs to come loose and rattle a bit?
Car has around 160k miles but we get a lot of potholes around here

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 15 Sep 2020, 06:12

So is it a, "clunk", or does it, "rattle a bit"?

Test each drop link by exposing them by turning the steering wheel fully in one direction and grab it. If you get any movement, replace 'em. 160K is well beyond their service life.

You can see a dead strut (won't extend one bit) and a worn sway bar link aka drop link.

Post by **chrism** » 15 Sep 2020, 06:36

Worn sway bar links can be diagnosed
by disconnecting the lower end and wiring the link back out of harms way. Then drive the car and see if it still clunks. It it does still clunk then You may have a worn out spring seat.

qwertyjjj · Post by **qwertyjjj** » 15 Sep 2020, 08:24

Well it's a constant rattling whilst driving particularly over bumps. On a flat road there is no sound. Front left and front right

Herb Goltz · Post by **Herb Goltz** » 15 Sep 2020, 11:20

The sway bar end links are suspect. The good news is that they are cheap and easy to replace. Lemforder is a good brand.

Post by **BlackBart** » 15 Sep 2020, 14:20

Good advice above ^^^ I vote sway bar drop links.

For loose abs, do some crunches and sit-ups. Just start with 10 or 15 a day and see how you feel.

Post by **abscate** » 15 Sep 2020, 19:00

BlackBart wrote: ↑15 Sep 2020, 14:20 Good advice above ^^^ I vote sway bar drop links.

For loose abs, do some crunches and sit-ups. Just start with 10 or 15 a day and see how you feel.

Good material, well struck.

reverend · Post by **reverend** » 16 Sep 2020, 22:14

You can USUALLY tell the sway bar links by grabbing them and yank/push/pull on it like a madman (grab it, then shake it like you're throttling your best friend after you found out he slept with your girlfriend).

If it rattles/clunks, it needs replacement. If it's solid, it's LIKELY not it.

It can be the top spring seat. The little bushing in it separates from the rubber and allows too much movement.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Sep 2020, 01:40

I had a clunk but when I push and pulled on the links they were silent, any suggestions?

Post by **oragex** » 17 Sep 2020, 04:18

Speaking of these end links.. I think it's a little trickier to test them. I tested mines, pulled with force - no play. Removed the nut, turned the small bj by hand, no play. Put back, tightened down with force, still noisy. I'm getting the feeling these will knock if the small bj is no longer super tight to rotate - when the end link is new, the bj is very stiff to move by hand, as they get old, it becomes easier to move even if it has no play. Just a theory. Also, I have the feeling the anti roll bar may move sideways and may also kick on the control arm on cars with over 150k miles