Still searching for the cause of a front end squeak

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 15 Sep 2021, 15:34

When I bounce the left front, I get a squeak with a clunk sound. It sounds like it is coming from behind the LF wheel, and, when I am in the car, it sound like it coming from under the foot well. I shook the engine and it is solid. I replaced the struts and they are solid. Visually, I can't see what it could be, but would anyone have an idea?
Thanks in advance

Post by **Blacklab467** » 15 Sep 2021, 22:13

A squeak and a clunk? I would look at the spring seat and expect a broken one, that would be my best guess. How many miles?

darylrobert · Post by **darylrobert** » 16 Sep 2021, 06:48

The sway bar is behind the wheels

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 16 Sep 2021, 08:07

The front strut assemblies are about 6 months old. Teh squeak reminds me of a rusty door hinge. The clunk sound happens after the squeak,. I went under the car and didn't see anything- I was originally think of subframe bushings but even though I had a bright light on them I didn't see anything wrong.. Maybe it could be the sway bar mounting brackets

Post by **SuperHerman** » 16 Sep 2021, 08:50

What you describe is usually the strut spring seats, as the sway bar end links usually just clunk.

Start by inspecting the spring seat - it may be it is not tightened all the way down. The funny star shape piece could be the culprit. Then make sure the spring is properly aligned with the strut - the spring ends are butted up to the end ridge. Also wouldn't hurt to make sure the spring has not snapped. Make sure the seat has not failed - maybe you got a bad one.

For the sway bar end link, as you can create the sound without the car moving, disconnect one end and push it aside. If sound is gone that is one source of the clunk, maybe the squeak. You can try tightening them first.

motormikeyman · Post by **motormikeyman** » 16 Sep 2021, 09:19

Similar sound was driving me nuts. Turned out the stabilizer link nut was loose on the strut.

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 16 Sep 2021, 11:42

Thanks - that is something I didn't look for. Back up on the jackstands it goes..

Post by **vtl** » 16 Sep 2021, 12:36

My experience was a top strut nut not torqued as it should. A squeak and then clunk in left corner after sharp right turn.

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 16 Sep 2021, 12:58

My nuts are tight..

But this sounds like it is coming from close to the driver's footwell.

Post by **vtl** » 16 Sep 2021, 13:06

Btw, lots of strange noises come from there when the rubber boot is not sealing the steering shaft properly (the bearing fell off, something like that).