Clunk in front end
 

'09 300. Low speed clunk in front end driver side. Only 26,000 miles. Seems unlikely to be a tension strut with such low miles. Opinions please?

Hi WillyGraphic,
I was able to find a Technical Service Bulletin that MIGHT address your concern. This TSB was released in July of 2010 and involves replacing the power steering return hose and/or steering gear. I've included the detailed information below. Let me know if you have any questions!

TSB NUMBER: 19-005-10
GROUP: Steering
DATE: July 29, 2010

SUBJECT: Steering Gear Honk, Hiss or Groan During Low Speed Parking Lot Maneuvers

OVERVIEW: This bulletin involves replacing the power steering return hose and/or steering gear.

MODELS:
2009-2010 LX 300 / Magnum / Charger
2009-2010 LC Challenger

NOTE: This information applies to 5.7L RWD models built prior to January 21, 2010

SYMPTOM/CONDITION: Some customers may experience a honk, hiss or groan sound coming from the steering system during low speed parking lot maneuvers.

Thanks but it's not a steering gear issue. It's a definite clunking sound heard when going over bumps.

If you take it in for a front end alignment they should be able to identify the problem fairly easily.

I have a 2006 300 3.5 Touring and had the same problem. I do all my own work because I'm a cheapskate and don't believe dealerships are worth paying $125/hr labor and 150% mark up on parts. I was able to replace the entire front end including upper and lower ball joints and all the tension bars, stablizers, and shocks for well under $500 - that's both sides. It took us about 8 hrs per side average, but we learned some things as we did it. All in all not to hard to do.

A lot of the stablizers/tension bars have a large rubber shock absorber that gets worn. I think that's the biggest problem. I did find that you can take everything apart and just replace the rubber. I'll do that next time.

One more thing to look at is all the plastic in the front is held on with plastic plugs that wear out. After they wear out or break the front end will sound like a lot of clunking going on.

Anyway, take it to an alignment place and have them look at it before you do anything.

Hope this helps

Sonny

Thanks, Sonny.