Clunk Noise From Front End

[imola4.6is]

Hello Everyone.....

First and foremost before I begin my thread and ask my question, I want to thank everyone in this forum for posting all the information that can possibly be posted about our E53. You dont know how grateful and thankful I am by getting pretty much everything I need for my E53 from this forum... Saved lots of money by being able to DIY and time at the dealer.


Now, since this is my first post, I need all the help I can possibly get because Im at the point with my E53 that I just dont want to "throw money away".

I have a 2003 4.6is with 93k miles on it.. The SAV is in absolute mint condition but given the mileage, its beginning to start costing me here and there. I dont mind because I absolutely love the SAV and am not planning on getting rid of it since I am also the original owner of it.

I have a "clunking" noise from the front end when driving over potholes, rough roads, speed bumps and getting in and out of my driveway. I also hear this noise when braking hard. The steering wheel slightly jerks or shakes when braking hard as well. I have changed my front shocks, swaybar links and front axle... The shocks needed to be changed given the mileage on the car as well as me living here in the NYC area, we just dont have the priveledge of normal smooth paved roads as the rest of the world. Since I changed the shocks, I figured to change the front sway bar links as well. The clunk noise is still there. I also was advised to change my axle as there was a clicking noise when making sharp turns and the wheel was turned all the way. All that is great and everything was changed except for the clunk noise when driving as I described above.

I can use all the help possible because I just dont want to take it to the dealership and they start changing everything they might think could be the problem and then getting smacked with a nice bill at the end. Is this common? What should this be narrowed down to? All the help is and would be greatly appreciated.