Front end clunky clunky

[Jared Pabis]

I know its a long shot seeking advice concerning noise on a message board...but I can't locate the source of the noise after 1 year of hearing it.

The noise is coming from the front end when I go over smaller bumps or cracks. Over bigger stuff, there's no noise. If the brakes are applied, even just a little, it will not make the sound over rough stuff.

The noise sounds like a steel utility trailer going over bumps. Not too much of a knock, just the sound of loose parts chattering and clunking.

New shocks have been installed (not to remedy the noise) and it didnt change anything. I tightened all the suspension components and it did not help. Since the sound does not happen when I'm on the brakes, I'm assuming it is not chassis related.

Any help would be well received.

 

[T4RFool]

i had a similarly described noise in my rear end on mine and it turned out to be a body bushing so i would check the ones on the front end

 

[4-Ripcord]

A lot of people encounter this noise you speak of, get new front sway bar and steering rack bushings. Be sure they are properly greased and torqued.

 

[Jared Pabis]

A lot of people encounter this noise you speak of, get new front sway bar and steering rack bushings. Be sure they are properly greased and torqued.

I've had a few people tell me that steering rack bushings are a bit tricky to do. I was kinda saving that for last

 

[4-Ripcord]

Well try the front sway bar bushings first. That is most likely the cuase of the noise.

 

[brian2sun]

Sway bar endlinks or bad steering rack bushings can definitely cause noise. You should be able to see if the endlinks are loose or noisy by shaking them by hand. If your steering rack bushings are worn, the whole rack will move when you rock the steering wheel back and forth a few inches. The rack should not move at all if the bushings are in good shape. Worn tie rods could also be clunky (lift each front tire off the ground separately and see if it has a lot of side to side play when you shake it). Up and down play can indicate worn ball joints.

However, if it never happens when you're on the brakes and it always happens when you're coasting, my first thought was the pads are jiggling around in there. Normally, there will still be a little pressure on the pads when the brakes are off to keep them from moving, but if the pads are really worn or if the caliper is worn and it's retracting to easy, they could cause the pads to be loose in there.

 

[Jared Pabis]

Sway bar endlinks or bad steering rack bushings can definitely cause noise. You should be able to see if the endlinks are loose or noisy by shaking them by hand. If your steering rack bushings are worn, the whole rack will move when you rock the steering wheel back and forth a few inches. The rack should not move at all if the bushings are in good shape. Worn tie rods could also be clunky (lift each front tire off the ground separately and see if it has a lot of side to side play when you shake it). Up and down play can indicate worn ball joints.

However, if it never happens when you're on the brakes and it always happens when you're coasting, my first thought was the pads are jiggling around in there. Normally, there will still be a little pressure on the pads when the brakes are off to keep them from moving, but if the pads are really worn or if the caliper is worn and it's retracting to easy, they could cause the pads to be loose in there.

I actually just replaced pads and rotors two weeks ago which eliminated my highway "shimmy" since the rotors were so warped.

I think braking just puts directional force on all the suspension components which helps to bind them up a bit. But I will definitely investigate your suggestions......really hope it's not ball joints.