suspension CLUNK - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

uiuc240 · 07-04-2002, 11:39 AM

OK, so for the last year or so, I've had a clunking sound coming from the front suspension at slow speeds going over bumps, and when turning sharply (like when going into a parking space, turning into a driveway, going over a speed bump, etc.)  It's never noticeable while on the highway or driving in a straight line.  It's only at high steering angles at low speed (like just before you hit full lock in each direction).

I thought it was LCA bushings or the ball joint on the LCA.  Nope.  Those are new and it still does it.  The TC bushings are Whiteline poly, too.  Someone suggested strut bearings...well, the sound doesn't come from there.  I got out of the car and just started steering from left to right.  The clunk sounds like it's coming from the middle down below.

The only parts that haven't been replaced are the steering rack and the tie rod ends.  I'm thinking it's the tie rod ends (or the ball that sits in the knuckle).  Can anyone describe for me what these sound like when they fail?  Also, how do I test them?  Nothing has "play" when the car is up and I try to wiggle things around.  So I'm confused.

I don't think it's frame damage, because that would creak over ALL bumps.  This is definitely steering related, and it only happens at low speeds.

HELP!!!   <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cry.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

Thanks all.

Eric

07-04-2002, 11:39 AM	#1
uiuc240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Naperville, IL Age: 46 Posts: 2,093 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	OK, so for the last year or so, I've had a clunking sound coming from the front suspension at slow speeds going over bumps, and when turning sharply (like when going into a parking space, turning into a driveway, going over a speed bump, etc.)  It's never noticeable while on the highway or driving in a straight line.  It's only at high steering angles at low speed (like just before you hit full lock in each direction). I thought it was LCA bushings or the ball joint on the LCA.  Nope.  Those are new and it still does it.  The TC bushings are Whiteline poly, too.  Someone suggested strut bearings...well, the sound doesn't come from there.  I got out of the car and just started steering from left to right.  The clunk sounds like it's coming from the middle down below. The only parts that haven't been replaced are the steering rack and the tie rod ends.  I'm thinking it's the tie rod ends (or the ball that sits in the knuckle).  Can anyone describe for me what these sound like when they fail?  Also, how do I test them?  Nothing has "play" when the car is up and I try to wiggle things around.  So I'm confused. I don't think it's frame damage, because that would creak over ALL bumps.  This is definitely steering related, and it only happens at low speeds. HELP!!!   <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cry.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> Thanks all. Eric __________________ 2002 Mazda Protege5 1989 S13 w/SR20DET (sold)