Clunking sound in steering/suspension

[billdo]

I have the same problem, mine only happens when turning right. I too changed the control arms about a year ago. However mine did not start clunking until I did a front axle job.

I have a feeling that the problem is the stiffener plate bolts. I initially tried to take the plate off to do the axle job, but did it without and never re-torqued the bolts.

Anybody know the stiffener bolt torque spec?

Also my car just passed 100K, so thinking about doing the sway bars and tie rods.

[Tonyfeb14]

Torque spec is 41/ft# first step, then +90 degrees. Not sure why its specified as a 2 step process, but it is. Best also to move the suspension up and down a few times, then torque to specs.

BTW, I also have just developed a similiar clunk only when going over uneven speed bumps. Could not find anything loose on the tension struts, ball joints or sway bar or links.

Will be going back to recheck these settings on mine. (I did a CV joint boot replace 30k mi ago, had removed and retorqued the stiffner plate, and have 76k on the car now). This just started in the past few weeks.

Interested if this solves the problem on this thread and the slow speed clunk on mine when I get to it this weekend. Any other ideas to diagnose for the clunk are welcome.

[billdo]

Thanks for the info. I will let you know if it works, this clunk has been real annoying.

[billdo]

Sure enough, it was just the stiffener plate bolts. I feel like an idiot for not figuring this out earlier, and for not tightening them originally.

[TiAgX5]

The stiffener plate/sway bar bushing bolts are torque to yield fasteners. These MUST be replaced EVERY time they are removed.

[billdo]

I never removed the stiffening plate. I started too, but decided not to when I saw it was a two wrench job. When I saw the top nut spinning I just stopped and didn't bother to re tighten them. Hopefully they are fine. It was definitely a lesson learned.

[Bmwtvboy]

Might be inner CV's. Also the check play in the forward arm linkage on both sides. These tend to go around your mileage if you haven't changed them. You can remove them and press new suspension bushing on both ends instead of replacing the entire arm.

[wayneadair]

Thanks for this solution.

I had the same Noise and clunking only happening upon turnuing corners and intermittently... 2 different mechanics failed to solve the problem and had changed balljoints, cv joints etc etc. One even suggested i was too fussy and should just turn my radio up! needless to say i didnt go back to him. I went to a new guy and when i suggested the stiffener plate bolts, hey presto, no more knocking..

Many thanks again

Wayne

[David.X5]

Wanted to add to the list of places you can get a rack rebuild. I used RackDoctor in South Carolina. $300 plus $200 core. I've had it 18 months now with no more problems. Mine wasn't clunking- it was leaking fluid.

[billdo]

Did you just tighten the bolts or put new bolts in?