Please help diagnose a clunk

[lcbjr77]

I'll try to make a long story short

So a few months ago I harpooned a CV joint boot, went to dealer where I bought it, they did the repair... a day later I see gear oil on the ground in the garage, I go back to the dealer and they said it was probably a seal, they change the seal. Next morning still leaking, I take back again.... They change out the CV axle and the seal with different components but still OEM...no more leaking...Finally (they didn't charge for any additional trips)

Here's where it gets good, not at high speeds but if I turn the wheel right at a slow speed or a quick left right motion of the steering wheel (like Im parking my 4R in a parking spot at a store, etc) I get a clunk sound(sounds like it's coming from the front drivers side). This is really starting to concern me, I go back to the dealer and they said that they checked everything and couldn't replicate the sound... They did say my front right wheel bearing needed attention and that it might be the problem.(They wanted $400.00 for a new bearing and labor)

I ordered two hub assemblies from Kevin from NJ and I replaced the front passenger side this past Sunday and the vehicle is quieter but I still get the clunk. Since I didn't have a lot of time Sunday and only did the front passenger side the front drivers side is going to be done this coming Sunday. I hope that solves this clunk issue... if not than I'd like some input on what you folks think it may be... Thanks

 

[fdbyrne]

Clunks like that are usually caused by bad sway bar ends or sway bar bushings. They can look fine and still do that.

When you are working on your truck this weekend, completely remove your sway bar and drive it around without it for a week. Chances are you won't hear the clunk any more. If it does in fact go away, go online and buy new ends and bushings and use them when you reinstall your sway bar.

 

[shahsmerdis]

I hear you won't be able to tell its the sway bar unless its flat on the ground not with the wheels in the air. if there is anyway you can get under the car and push on the bar that might be the easiest way to see if there is play. Or maybe ramps?

I don' think sway bar noises make noise when turning left or right. I get a little clunk when going over bumps. Then again I'm no expert. just posting what I have read about it.

 

[lcbjr77]

Updated 12/22/15

So I changed both front wheel bearings, still getting the clunk when I turn the wheel right at a slow speed, I bought front sway bar end links but won't be able to replace them til this weekend.

Wonder what else can be making this noise, ball joint(s) ???

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[shahsmerdis]

So I changed both front wheel bearings, still getting the clunk when I turn the wheel right at a slow speed, I bought front sway bar end links but won't be able to replace them til this weekend.

Wonder what else can be making this noise, ball joint(s) ???

Any input would be appreciated.

Not sure why you changed the wheel bearings. Wheel bearings don't clunk.

Did you get the front sway bar bushings... ? that is usually what seems to be the case of the clunk.

Do you have a ramp, or can you find a way under the car and shake your sway bar?

 

[lcbjr77]

One wheel bearing was going, I had a noise coming from the fro t passenger side a d I can rock the wheel up and down. The bushings are new, I inspected them the other day while it was on the lift . I just dont know how to diagnose where the noise it coming from