Odd Clunking Noise
 

Can anyone help...? I have started to notice a bit of a clunking noise coming from somewhere in the area of the drivers-side front wheel (UK spec, so right side at the front).

So far I can't find the source of the problem, but I don't think it is entirely suspension-related as it makes the noise even on a small bump in the road. It is not rhythmic or repetitious, so I have discounted drive pulley or other belt-driven bits To give an idea what it sounds like, imagine a smallish piece of metal, like a mobile phone, suspended on a wire knocking up against a bulkhead, in other words it doesn't sound like a big object.

So far I have tried checking under the dash on the drivers side from the inside, also under the hood, and even taken off the scuttle to see if the wiper arms were loose. Jacking it up and pulling/pushing the wheel didn't reveal anythinmg either, so now I am stumped.

Any thoughts?

TIA.

Graham

Worn shocks or bushings?
My worn steering rack makes a clunk when I change turning direction on the steering wheel.

Hmm, yes, I'm thinking a worn McPherson strut, but I will have to wait until the end of the month as I am away soon.

PS: Anyone reading this in the San Francisco area or more specifically San Jose want to meet for a beer? - I will be there from 23rd to 27th

Cheers

GL.

Roll down the drivers window , close the door, and grab the top of the window frame......Rock the car from left to right (Imitating the SWAYING MOTION)

Have an assistant reach around the wheel and grab onto the sway bar Link. Any Play or abnormality will be painfully obvious.

Jst a note....You cant check sway bar components with the vehicle "JACKED UP". the weight of the vehicle MUST be on the suspension in order to detect any abnormal movement. If the wheels are hanging, then any play that exists will be "TAKEN -UP" by the extended components.

What year/mileage?

I'd put my money on anti roll bar (sway bar) bushes. Maybe worn links as well.

may be the inner CV joint going out

Thanks all. I think I will target the sway bar bushes first as there seems to be a lot of noise about them on the internet all over the place (not just here).

BTW, for booke23, it's 2004 with about 117000 on the clock.

In that case could be the links as well, but definately start with the sway bar bushes as they are cheap and easy to do.