Brake Clunk...?

[elcobra44]

I'm not sure if this is brake or suspension related and I was unable to find any other threads describing my symptoms...

I'll get in the car, reverse out of the drive way, apply the brake and put the car in drive. As I steer into acceleration, I feel/hear a clunk from the front driver's side a few seconds after I release the brake.

I also hear the noise as I'm turning right into the slight incline of my driveway with my foot partially applied to the brake.

I'd guess it sounds like my caliper releasing late and sloppy, but I don't know. Physical inspection didn't reveal anything unusual with that wheel or suspension.

Anything you'd suggest I should take a closer look at?

Anyone experience something like this?

[sidetrack]

I started getting the exact same noise a week ago. You described it perfectly. Just my luck, the same day I had just ordered some wireless chassis ears to diagnosis another weird squeaking noise. When I get the chassis ears this Friday my first task will be to try to find this new clunking noise.

One thing I noticed today, if I sit in the car stopped with engine running, and move the steering wheel in a sawing motion I can sometimes feel and hear a little knocking in the steering wheel.
I just had my tension struts replaced and hotchkis sways regreased, so I don't think they are the cause.
I am guessing inner/outer tie rods or steering rack may be the problem. But it could be the brakes too, as I don't hear any sounds at faster speeds, or feel any wheel vibrations. I only hear the noise when driving at slow speeds, and making turns in/out of parking spots and into driveways.

If the chassis ears help pinpoint the problem this weekend I will post back with what I found.

[36 chambers]

Think Its A Tie Rod Or Bushing Thats Loose ...mine Did That When I First Got It Dealer Tightened It Up... And No Noise

[elcobra44]

Hmm, I'll have to take a closer look at that tie rod..

Warranty work is probably out of the question with the lowering and aftermarket wheels in place.. argh..

[Motor]

Hmm, I'll have to take a closer look at that tie rod..

Warranty work is probably out of the question with the lowering and aftermarket wheels in place.. argh..

i have that knock because of my lower control arm (tends to squeak too)...already replaced the right, now its the left....
and tie rods are going...and sway bar links are dead too but they make a diff noise...

all those thx to the sportlines i had with stock shox...killed **** in there....

[1FST4DR]

Check every nut and bolt..Not to long ago I had a simular issue in the rear.I found a rather large nut that came loose..Keep us posted

[elcobra44]

Not having a flat driveway makes this a real pain in the butt.. Guess I gotta do, what I gotta do!

Update to come....

[Carfinish]

I had similar sound...it's def either outer or inner tie rods....if you're gonna replace one or other replace them all as you will need an alignment anyway

[elcobra44]

I couldn't find anything loose..

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/cc8e2937.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/eec60dd5.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/d875b021.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/9f4aa1d8.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/ab92acea.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/be4d39fd.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/905f8dcc.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/ce82cb7f.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/4d1b5865.jpg

Only thing I thought looked odd was the sway bar bushing, but I figured that because the suspension is hanging on the driver's side..

[Junior]

Only thing I thought looked odd was the sway bar bushing, but I figured that because the suspension is hanging on the driver's side..

I saw that too... not sure mine does that when it's unloaded.

[elcobra44]

Looks like I'm losing a collector bolt in that picture, too.. hehe

[36 chambers]

That sway buahing is worked mine don't look like that raised up

[elcobra44]

Where'd Pedders to sell me some parts when I need them? :)

Guess I'll go ahead and replace those.. I suppose I should replace the links while I'm at it.

[Warlock]

I found the noise, its the body you ran over last week is hanging loose.

:doh:

same bushing same results when in the air

[elcobra44]

I found the noise, its the body you ran over last week is hanging loose.

:doh:

same bushing same results when in the air
Nah, I scraped that poor bastard off yesterday and the noise remains.

Are you saying the look of the bushing is normal?

[Warlock]

Are you saying the look of the bushing is normal?


I aint sayin that, but I got 52K on mine too




oh cool, a new smiley
:sosayweall:

[elcobra44]

There's maybe 8k on these bushings...

[elcobra44]

I'm probably going to suck it up and have a dealership take a look at it and see what they think..

I really don't want to throw parts at it not knowing if what I'm replacing is the problem or not. I really don't see anything off on either side... Everything seems to be tight as possible.

[Davesatdoasisbar]

Mine is making what may be the same thing. Im thinking PPP will be providing me with allot assistance on this one.
I can't bounce the car do to the noise. Happens when I first take off with foot the brake, does it more on stopping and starting the when driving. does it more when I make left turns but amount of left turn doesn't effect.
but am noticing it now occasionally at night when everything is quite.
Its loud enough that people will look around and wonder what is wrong with that hot rod.
Hard to impress when you have to hide your head in shame

Im going to try and video tape the noise.

Keep the thread going guys

[sidetrack]

I got my wireless Chassis Ears yesterday and I am 90% sure the popping/clunking noise is the sway bar endlinks.

Like elcobra44, I get popping/clunking noises when driving slowing into/out-of parking spots or driveways. I am not 100% sure it is the endlinks because I can also hear the sound when I hook the transmitters to the lower control arm, and shock/strut assembly. But the noise/signal is very distinct and clear when the transmitter is connected to the endlink, and endlinks are well known for failing on our cars.

I am 100% sure the noise is not my inner or outer tie rods. The Chassis Ears clearly ruled out the tie rods. I first spent a lot time testing the tie rods because I suspected these the most.

After I ruled out the tie rods I moved the chassis ears to the lower control arm and knuckle. I could hear noise, but nothing distinct.
I then moved the transmitters to the endlinks and sway bars, and bingo, the noise was loud and clear.

I will be taking the car to the dealer for an oil change in about a week and hopefully get them to fix it under my extended warranty. Since I have KW's and hotchkis sways, they could try to deny the endlink warranty.

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/9853/chassisearsqs7.jpg

[Davesatdoasisbar]

For the uniformed would you draw a circle around the area that you are reffering to as the sound culprit

Thanks:not_worth

[Warlock]

I can help you with that

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/be4d39fd.jpg

[sidetrack]

For the uniformed would you draw a circle around the area that you are reffering to as the sound culprit

Thanks:not_worth

It is the Swaybar endlink in the pic below. It connects the sway bar to the shock/strut. The endlink ball joints fail. This is probably one of the cheapest and easiest fixes.

The pic warlock posted is the sway bar bushings/isolator. Bad bushings can also cause clunking/thumping.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7636/tensionstrut3ot4.jpg

Here is another view of the endlink that is causing the popping/clunking.

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/7387/chassisears2da2.jpg

[Davesatdoasisbar]

Thanks for the clarification:beerchug:

[sidetrack]

The sway bar endlinks are NOT the cause of my popping/clunking sound.
I replaced the endlinks today and the popping/clunking during slow sweeping turns/maneuvers is still there. Big bummer.


I hope I did not lead anyone astray. I guess the chassis ears are not that full-proof. Since all the components are connected, sounds are being transmitted through out the entire suspension/steering system.

Back to the drawing board this weekend :modding:

[GasGunR]

I can see the problem in your first pic Matt...


























The car is sitting on the back bumper!

[sidetrack]

I'm not sure if this is brake or suspension related and I was unable to find any other threads describing my symptoms...

I'll get in the car, reverse out of the drive way, apply the brake and put the car in drive. As I steer into acceleration, I feel/hear a clunk from the front driver's side a few seconds after I release the brake.

I also hear the noise as I'm turning right into the slight incline of my driveway with my foot partially applied to the brake.

I'd guess it sounds like my caliper releasing late and sloppy, but I don't know. Physical inspection didn't reveal anything unusual with that wheel or suspension.

Anything you'd suggest I should take a closer look at?

Anyone experience something like this?


Check your strut mounts.
I believe your noise/symptom is similar to mine.
I sprayed some silicone lubricant down into the strut mount and the popping/clunking stopped. Although I am not sure if silicone lubricant is bad for strut mounts long-term, or a long-term solution.

[MASIV]

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/be4d39fd.jpg

This is your problem. I had the exact problem over the last couple of months. Replaced both sway bar bushings (not the end links) and the problem is gone. Very easy replace.

Take off the heat shield, remove the two bolts holding the collar, replace with new bushings ($6 each at the local 5 Star). I sprayed some white lithium grease inside to try and stop any possible squeaking.

Bummer is, got bad diagnosis from same 5 Star that cost me $100 and advised to replace tie rods. This was not the fix for clunking. Dealer wanted $600 to replace the tie rods. Crooks. Cost for the tie rods $45 each and an hour or so of my time.

[thewagon]

If you have aftermarket wheels, take off those damn rotor retaining clips on the studs!

I couldn't find anything loose..

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee116/elcobra_album/Clunk/cc8e2937.jpg

[thewagon]

Not sure if this applies to Chargers, but the symptons are similar to my magnum. For argument's sake, fold down both rear seats and see if the noise is still there backing and entering the driveway.





I'm not sure if this is brake or suspension related and I was unable to find any other threads describing my symptoms...

I'll get in the car, reverse out of the drive way, apply the brake and put the car in drive. As I steer into acceleration, I feel/hear a clunk from the front driver's side a few seconds after I release the brake.

I also hear the noise as I'm turning right into the slight incline of my driveway with my foot partially applied to the brake.

I'd guess it sounds like my caliper releasing late and sloppy, but I don't know. Physical inspection didn't reveal anything unusual with that wheel or suspension.

Anything you'd suggest I should take a closer look at?

Anyone experience something like this?

[Jontoad]

If you have aftermarket wheels, take off those damn rotor retaining clips on the studs!

look at his wheels contact marks. the torque thrusts are made with recess areas to clear the brake clips. at the shop i still take brake clips off when putting on any aftermarket wheels but some have the recess for them. hes ok how it is but your right he should take them off anyways since there is no reason to have them.

[sidetrack]

For the record.
I finally solved my popping noise that I was so certain was the endlinks.

The popping noise are/were my KW coilover springs snapping/banging against each other. I guess my KWv2 springs are wearing out.
As soon as I placed rubber fuel line hose between the springs the popping stopped. Here is a pic of the fuel line hose that stops the first coil from banging into the second coil.

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/9445/kwspringrubbernj9.jpg

Here is a video of the popping noise amplified with Wireless Chassis Ears.
The hissing sound are the disk brakes. The noise to listen for is the popping that can be heard several different times.

p3z1ubmcUyg

[steinism]

Check your strut mounts.
I believe your noise/symptom is similar to mine.
I sprayed some silicone lubricant down into the strut mount and the popping/clunking stopped. Although I am not sure if silicone lubricant is bad for strut mounts long-term, or a long-term solution.

Sorry if this is a stupid question but what strut mounts should I specifically check and where are they? I have the bad clunk when either front tire drops into a pot hole or small imperfection in the road when driving at slow speeds. It is driving me crazy. It sounds like the suspension is bottoming out. Please help!

[sidetrack]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but what strut mounts should I specifically check and where are they? I have the bad clunk when either front tire drops into a pot hole or small imperfection in the road when driving at slow speeds. It is driving me crazy. It sounds like the suspension is bottoming out. Please help!

Here are pics of the upper metal strut mount, and rubber isolator. They are sold separetly, not as one piece.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2029/strutmountandisolator2fi7.jpg http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8527/strutmountandisolatorvh5.jpg
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/attachments/suspension-handling-modifications/30954d1225423443-front-end-noise-upper-control-arm.jpg

I don't know of a way to check the upper strut mounts for clunking. My popping noise was actually the coilover springs binding/sticking. The area of the coilover that was binding was right next to the upper strut mount rubber isolator. When I sprayed the entire area with lubricant the popping/binding stopped for a couple of days.

I suspect some other area is causing your clunking noise.

I would first look at the sway bar bushings, or loose or bad swaybar endlinks.
The outer and inner tie rods are also common problems.
Check your tension strut bushings for any tears.

http://www.300cforums.com/forums/attachments/suspension-handling-modifications/30955d1225423555-front-end-noise-tension-strut3.jpg

http://www.300cforums.com/forums/attachments/suspension-handling-modifications/30956d1225423691-front-end-noise-lower-control-arm-sway-bar.jpg

Tension Strut Tear
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1161/tensionstruttear2lk6.jpg

[steinism]

thanks for the feedback and diagrams sidetrack. maybe i should disconnect the sway bar end links from the sway bar to see if that narrows it down. the clunking definitely happens when the suspension travels up and down. sometimes the clunk sound bounces with the spring, if that makes sense to you.

[sidetrack]

thanks for the feedback and diagrams sidetrack. maybe i should disconnect the sway bar end links from the sway bar to see if that narrows it down. the clunking definitely happens when the suspension travels up and down. sometimes the clunk sound bounces with the spring, if that makes sense to you.

Yep, disconnecting one end of an endlink is a good idea. It is easy to do and will rule out two potential problem areas.

Clunking could also be a bad shock if you have a lot of miles on your car.

[sidetrack]

Not sure if you have access to the Service Manual.
But I havn't found the manual to be of much help with front suspension/steering problems.

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/8895/steeringwheelfeelpg1lw8.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9572/steeringwheelfeelpg3wq6.jpg

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/462/suspensionsteeringdiagnwu9.jpg

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/6381/suspensionsteeringdiagnhw2.jpg

[steinism]

Yep, disconnecting one end of an endlink is a good idea. It is easy to do and will rule out two potential problem areas.

Clunking could also be a bad shock if you have a lot of miles on your car.

thanks.

i thought the same and i switched to KW1's and the sound is still there.

[liljoejoe54]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but what strut mounts should I specifically check and where are they? I have the bad clunk when either front tire drops into a pot hole or small imperfection in the road when driving at slow speeds. It is driving me crazy. It sounds like the suspension is bottoming out. Please help!

I have the same exact problem when i go over potholes. Have you found out what is causing your noise?

[progolfer82]

the strut mount in the picture below, will that cause a creaking, squeaky, clunk sound if bad? I have replaced hub and bearing,tension struts, sway bar bushings, sway bar links, and tie rods and still have the problem and my alignment shop said this may be my problem. does this sound right? I need help before I drop any more cash in this probelm I cant find!! Thanks!!

Here are pics of the upper metal strut mount, and rubber isolator. They are sold separetly, not as one piece.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2029/strutmountandisolator2fi7.jpg http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8527/strutmountandisolatorvh5.jpg
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/attachments/suspension-handling-modifications/30954d1225423443-front-end-noise-upper-control-arm.jpg

I don't know of a way to check the upper strut mounts for clunking. My popping noise was actually the coilover springs binding/sticking. The area of the coilover that was binding was right next to the upper strut mount rubber isolator. When I sprayed the entire area with lubricant the popping/binding stopped for a couple of days.

I suspect some other area is causing your clunking noise.

I would first look at the sway bar bushings, or loose or bad swaybar endlinks.
The outer and inner tie rods are also common problems.
Check your tension strut bushings for any tears.

http://www.300cforums.com/forums/attachments/suspension-handling-modifications/30955d1225423555-front-end-noise-tension-strut3.jpg

http://www.300cforums.com/forums/attachments/suspension-handling-modifications/30956d1225423691-front-end-noise-lower-control-arm-sway-bar.jpg

Tension Strut Tear
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1161/tensionstruttear2lk6.jpg