Suspension Clunking Sound Help Needed! Options

[83841]

I have a 1994 ST-205 GT4 and I'm getting a clunking sound from the front driver side only. It happens when I am at a complete stop and starting to drive in 1st gear. I also notice that it clunks from a complete stop when im going into reverse out of my parking spot and again when driving away in 1st. All other other gears are ok. The clunk feels like its coming from below my pedals. I searched forums and so for I replaced what everyone suggested.

super strut
Lower suspension arm
Fig 8 link
Banana bar
Uprated crush tube (jsp)
Hub top ball joint
Track Rod End

This is killing my wallet!!!! That is almost all the components except the endlinks and front sway bar bushings. I still get this clunking!!! GRRRRRRRRR..
What else can cause this first gear clunk? Please help its driving me nuts!!!!!

Any recommendations?

This post has been edited by 83841: Sep 2, 2012 - 5:18 PM

[CAcelica29]

does it do it going over bumps at all? mine does but i know its a bad endlink that isnt all they way tight.

[83841]

does it do it going over bumps at all? mine does but i know its a bad endlink that isnt all they way tight.

Nope...going over bumps is ok... I'm going to replace the end links and sway bar bushings to see if it resolves the problem. If not maybe engine mounts?

[CAcelica29]

i dont think mounts would make clunking per se, but definitly would be vibrations with bad mounts

[BonzaiCelica]

ouch I feel for you! i know you paid atleast $1,000 for all control arms on superstrut suspension.

sounds like a brake issue, but of course a video would best. My dad had that problem with his 98 camry, but that has rear drum brakes on it.

[83841]

ouch I feel for you! i know you paid atleast $1,000 for all control arms on superstrut suspension.

sounds like a brake issue, but of course a video would best. My dad had that problem with his 98 camry, but that has rear drum brakes on it.

Just ordered some replacemenet sway bar bushings with end links...if that doesnt work i will replace my brake pads as its the only thing left to replace..other than the bearings and axle

[BonzaiCelica]

post a video of the noise is what I meant. before you go on spending money on unnecessary parts

[83841]

post a video of the noise is what I meant. before you go on spending money on unnecessary parts

Oh ok I'll take vid and post it up later today...thanks

[trdproven]

i know bad mounts can cause the jerk clunk, but it should also vibrate on idle, but then again, HOWEVER, I had one case that didnt vibrate at idle but had a jerk clunk on drive or reverse - exactly as you described, its fine on other gears except forward and reverse. I'd doublecheck your motor mounts, thats one thing not to overlook since its sounds like something ive been through. im guessing front or rear mounts. if you have other symptoms during different scenarios, that will help pinpoint, but im leaning more towards the engine mounts first. you should be able to inspect the mounts to look for cracks, wear, etc., unless they are enclosed.

cant be endlinks or sway bushings cus you just going forward and backward. those things are more noticeable for clunk on bumps and turns. brake pads - hard to say, can be or not be but thats easy to test if you want to cross that out, axles - clicking is very obvious on turns, which is not your case and you can still move, wheel bearings - unlikely and its easy to test for and obvious like humming.

GOOD LUCK!

This post has been edited by trdproven: Sep 4, 2012 - 6:32 AM

[TannerEsser]

I have a 1994 ST-205 GT4 and I'm getting a clunking sound from the front driver side only. It happens when I am at a complete stop and starting to drive in 1st gear. I also notice that it clunks from a complete stop when im going into reverse out of my parking spot and again when driving away in 1st. All other other gears are ok. The clunk feels like its coming from below my pedals. I searched forums and so for I replaced what everyone suggested.

super strut
Lower suspension arm
Fig 8 link
Banana bar
Uprated crush tube (jsp)
Hub top ball joint
Track Rod End

This is killing my wallet!!!! That is almost all the components except the endlinks and front sway bar bushings. I still get this clunking!!! GRRRRRRRRR..
What else can cause this first gear clunk? Please help its driving me nuts!!!!!

Any recommendations?

you should take your car to a shop instead of cluelessly throwing money at it. a lot of shops will take a look at it for very cheep.

[83841]

I found the problem.....It seems that I have a bad motor mount......i wouldnt of been able to tell unless i took it out.....I replaced it and the clunking is gone!!!!! At least I know my suspension will be good for a while!!!

I want to thank you all for all the advice.......

[trdproven]

^ I TOLD YA, I'VE EXPERIENCED THAT BEFORE, just for everyone else, you don't have to have a bad motor mount for the car to shake at idle, it can be exactly what he described. In comparison, it happened to my Camry, thats why i know all about it.

For the OP, thats good to hear!

[xMika]

Where do you guys get your new ball joints for the superstruts ?

[83841]

Where do you guys get your new ball joints for the superstruts ?

http://tcbparts.co.uk/

[xMika]

thanks !

[dangrdav]

I found the problem.....It seems that I have a bad motor mount......i wouldnt of been able to tell unless i took it out.....I replaced it and the clunking is gone!!!!! At least I know my suspension will be good for a while!!!

I want to thank you all for all the advice.......

Which one was it? I believe i have the exact same problem. I notice mine does it mostly when i back up..Not so much going forward.

Does it sound (pardon the pun) familar

Dave

[yloon]

I found the problem.....It seems that I have a bad motor mount......i wouldnt of been able to tell unless i took it out.....I replaced it and the clunking is gone!!!!! At least I know my suspension will be good for a while!!!

I want to thank you all for all the advice.......

Which one was it? I believe i have the exact same problem. I notice mine does it mostly when i back up..Not so much going forward.

Does it sound (pardon the pun) familar

Dave

hi 83841, would appreciate if you could explain further on how you find out your bad motor mount and which motor mount went bad.

thanks,