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Frustrated by mystery clunking noise (long) Posted by Rod [Email] ![]() ![]() |
I get a clunking noise, which is fairly subtle but definitely noticeable - it is actually much more noticeable by feel through the steering wheel than the actual audible sound. I will get the clunk going over bumps (doesn't seem to make much difference whether it is the right or left wheel hitting the bump), but it happens mostly when shifting gears. When I really want to reproduce the clunk all I need to do is to shift into 5th gear at a ridiculously low speed (I don't make a habit of that) and I get a really ugly clunk-clunk-clunk - like I've hit a resonant frequency or something.
The fact that the noise seems to be related more to what was going on with the engine and transmission than the road surface made me think mounts. I've checked the lower and upper engine mounts and they seem fine - there's some movement in the lowers but no cracks or separations that I could see (they're about 4 years old). I have recently replaced the transmission mount.
I have also replaced the rear control arm bushings (with poly). The balljoints and tie rod ends look fine, and I couldn't get any movement out of the balljoints with a pry bar. I have checked all the subframe bolts, and all suspension related bolts.
The bushing end cap on the driver's side front control arm had crumbled away so I was convinced this was my problem - but I replaced that and it's no better.
My next step is to replace the balljoints and tie rod ends anyway - I hate to just throw parts at a problem like this but I am kind of at a loose end here.
Anything else I should be checking? I can't reproduce the clunk with the car stationary - however much I bounce up and down on the fenders.
Sorry for the long missive, but I wanted to make sure I covered everything!
Rod
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