The Dreaded Clunk - Cant find it!

[JetPilot]

So, I have the dreaded front end clunk. Used to get it every now and then with the SRT suspension. I have now installed the Megan Racing Coilovers and the clunk is worse then ever. Typically hear it (actually can feel it in the floorboard too) when turning and exercising the suspension at the same time. It's both sides!
Radius bushings where shot, noticed this when doing the suspension change and have installed Pedders replacement bushing, installed the Pedders bump steer while I was at it. Also have Hotchkis Sway bars and brand new brake pads, pads are tight in the clips and bonded to the caliper. Passenger side tie rod end replaced in december, no play in the front end. All, and I mean ALL bolts are tight, even over tightened to see if I could get rid of the clunk. Alas...nothing seems to have worked?
What am I missing?????

[elcobra44]

Check this..

Suspension Clunk Fixed

[JetPilot]

Thanks, I searched the forums for hours and checked everything that has been mentioned here! Every bolt attaching the front end has been checked and even over tightened just to try and cure the clunk. No luck...
It has to be something stupid I am missing...??

[elcobra44]

You'll probably want to check the bushings in your tension struts.. If they're bad, you'll usually be able to see the damage.

Sway bar links and the sway bar bushings can also be a problem spot, I guess..

[NC-SXT]

Mine ended up being the tension strut, have you checked that?

[MadCharger]

Dumb question - but are you sure it isn't the exhaust hitting the cross brace beneath the floorboards?

[JetPilot]

Ok... the "Radius Bushing", as Pedders calls it, is the bushing that blows out on the tension strut. I replaced this bushing today with a Pedders. Clunk still there... Definitly not an exhaust issue, looked at that today as well.
I am completely baffled... The noise is a sold clunk that can be felt in the floorboard as well as heard. I usually hear it when taking a turn a bit fast or turning while entering my driveway. Metal on metal type clunk and comes from both sides but only from the outside wheel when in a turn. Basically a camber direction load.

[MadCharger]

Do you have headers?

[JetPilot]

No, engine is completely stock other than zoomers and jet chip...

[gameover]

Since you said metal on metal noise, try checking the upper A arm inner bushing.. Jack it up and grab the A arm and push and pull on it and see if you can duplicate the noise. If it make noise, pop up the hood and tighten the nuts on the side of the shock towers. Mine somehow got loose and is now all buttoned up.

[diboblo]

I have the same noise in my RT Magnum. It drove me nuts until I lifted the car and started tugging and pushing on things... It turned out to be my Borla exhaust hitting the cross brace...

Here's a thread to a new cross brace that is being offered. It sits lower and is designed to clear aftermarket exhausts...

Even if you don't have an aftermarket exhuaust, double check this area. It's easy to overlook and will drive you nuts if you miss it. Just grab your exhaust above the brace and tug on it. You may be able to make it rattle...

Just food for thought.

Bob

Bob

[RedHot R/T]

I was having that "klunk" or "thunk, thunk" problem too. I took it into the shop and they replaced the outer tie rods. No more klunkin' and thunkin'.

[JetPilot]

Still baffled....
Had the car apart again today. Took off the sway bar bushings, installed zerk fittings, greased the hell out of the bushing reinstalled, then pumped more in thru the zerk. Pulled the shock off the lower bolt and checked that bushing, looks fine. Checked the upper control arm, no play from what I can tell. Checked every bolt yet again, all over snug. No play found in the tie rod ends. Ordered a set of sway bar links just to see if it would help.... I consider myself fairly intelligent and quite handy with a wrench (build UAV's for a living) and this one has me quite frustrated.

[Carfinish]

for giggles...did you check the bolts on the cradle??... no play on the INNER tie rods ?

also have you removed the PCM from it's location for any reason.... I did that once and somehow the little bracket got bent enough that the PCM was bumping the fender well.

How about the strut tower brace bolts??

[steinism]

I've had the same issue ever since i bought the car. can't find anything loose at all. i'm subscribing to this thread. would love to see what you find when you find it.