Clunk on bumps after axle and tierod end replacement

walrusx4 · 11-08-2011, 01:03 AM

Per my previous thread I replaced my axles, tie-rod ends and my passenger balljoint.

Now, when I hit a bump on the front left tire, I hear a clunk, generally after the bump (not during the bump). It's clearly coming from the driver's side, both me and my ladyfriend agree (when she is in the passenger seat) which makes sense.

I had a crap aftermarket axle that wasn't sealing right and ended up yanking it and rebooting my OEM axles to great success, but the clunk is still there. Ideas I have are:

worn stabilizer bar bushings
balljoints not tight enough
balljoint on that side is actually bad / went bad in the process of axle mayhem
lower control arm bushing problems
spring looks intact, but perch/strut problems
small poltergeist with gong in wheel well

I don't think it's the exhaust, I gave it a wiggle and it's solid.

The real problem is I can't recreate it unless I'm driving which is problematic for troubleshooting. I've jumped up and down on that spring and can't get sound out of it. I checked the lugs and the axle nut, it's good to go with a cotter pin.

eric96ser · 11-08-2011, 09:39 AM

Try removing the strut and move the control arm up and down to see if it makes noise. Also check your sway bar to see if any part of it is loose.

Hardedge · 11-08-2011, 10:36 PM

Any bad bushings should typically be able to be spotted visually. If you think it's the sway bar then disconnect the ends and try to tie it out of the way and drive it, or remove the bar entirely if it's feasible in your situation. If the ball joint is worn enough to be that audible then you should be able to disconnect it from the control arm and feel it's excessive play by hand. Double check CV joint movement, especially the inner joint, it'll slide sideways but should have virtually no play vertically. Also, were you sure the axle went back together properly and the snap ring went back on the end of the tri-joint?

Basically just inspect thoroughly and go through a process of elimination. If I understand correctly, this noise was not there prior to any of the recent work done, right?

walrusx4 · 11-14-2011, 02:03 AM

I removed the strut, checked all the bushings, pushed, pulled, stressed the ball joint, check CV movement, all kinds of stuff, even swapped the struts with some temporary routing for the brake line to see what could be causing the clank.

I laid on the ground while my Ladyfriend drove the car over some speed bumps so I could try and see and it turns out somehow one of the splash guards was catching, bending and slapping on the springs on major compression. No idea why I couldn't recreate this, must not have been pushing hard enough.

Regardless, I'd love to lie, but hopefully someone can learn from this egg on my face.

eric96ser · 11-14-2011, 10:34 AM

Glad to hear it was something simple.