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Suspension clunk.....give up?

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Old 07-02-2012 | 11:23 AM
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Suspension clunk.....give up?

I've been with this front end clunk for about 74k miles and it's so damned annoying. Here's what I've done to try and remedy the problem:
  1. All new shocks/struts on each corner
  2. both end links replaced
  3. new 25mm stabilizer bar bushings

I've read so many posts with different solutions, but I don't know where to go from here after replacing the most suggested parts. My father and brother believe the noise to be coming from the rear, but I feel it in the pedal/wheel being up front. Do I just give up on trying to find a solution?

Also, in the past when I've had the rear wheels off, you can see the upper spring insulator dangling down at the bottom of the spring where it is clearly deteriorated beyond use. Couldn't find a replacement for this except for SS model. Is there one for the LT models?
Old 07-02-2012 | 11:27 AM
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how are the front wheel hub bearings? what did you torque the wheel nuts to ? and are the end link nuts torqued or just driveen tight with air wrench?
Old 07-02-2012 | 11:47 AM
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Ya the rear spring isolators can cause a noise if they are gone, but I think it would be very intermittent.
Another possibility is the front strut top mounts and bearings as they are often reused with new struts.
Old 07-02-2012 | 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldblue
how are the front wheel hub bearings? what did you torque the wheel nuts to ? and are the end link nuts torqued or just driveen tight with air wrench?
I've replaced the driver side hub assembly recently and tightened with air gun only. The wheel nuts (assuming you men lug nuts) are torqued to 100 ft/lb and the end links if I remember we torqued to 35 or 40 ft/lbs. Not sure if it is helpful, but I started getting the noise at 24k miles and am currently at 97k.


Originally Posted by prod
Ya the rear spring isolators can cause a noise if they are gone, but I think it would be very intermittent.
Another possibility is the front strut top mounts and bearings as they are often reused with new struts.
When I ordered my new struts from tirerack, I also purchased the new mounts and boots to be installed. I'm pretty sure the mechanic used the new mounts, but he didn't use the new boots. He said the boots didn't fit right.
Old 07-02-2012 | 03:13 PM
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Forgot to mention I've also replaced the lower control arm vertical bushings.
Old 07-02-2012 | 03:30 PM
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the 06's had a problem with the intermediate shaft in the steering column. There is a thd on that some place on this forum

Last edited by wmsburghhr; 07-02-2012 at 05:08 PM. Reason: added correct part name
Old 07-02-2012 | 07:52 PM
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ya my 08 had 3 steering columns, its more of a knock than a clunk, but also a possibility.
Old 02-03-2013 | 01:04 PM
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The front end knocking is finally gone!!!!

Had the driver side tire off yesterday and randomly looked at the sway bar end link. Apparently I misunderstood the mechanic who worked on it long ago. He did not replace the end link on the driver side, only the passenger! After replacing every suspension part I could think of I gave up on fixing the knocking sound. But, after seeing the OEM end link still on, I quickly ran over to the auto parts store and got a Moog with zerks. The factory link was so hard to get off. The 17mm washer was basically rounded off so we had to pull the joint off the boot and vicegrip it to get the nut off. Slapped the new end link on, drove it down the worst dip/pothole infested road I could find and did not hear the noise!! I hope it is truly and finally gone forever. The front end feels so much tighter now and not a sloppy mess all over the road.
Old 02-03-2013 | 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by MCHHR
Had the driver side tire off yesterday and randomly looked at the sway bar end link. Apparently I misunderstood the mechanic who worked on it long ago. He did not replace the end link on the driver side, only the passenger! After replacing every suspension part I could think of I gave up on fixing the knocking sound. But, after seeing the OEM end link still on, I quickly ran over to the auto parts store and got a Moog with zerks. The factory link was so hard to get off. The 17mm washer was basically rounded off so we had to pull the joint off the boot and vicegrip it to get the nut off. Slapped the new end link on, drove it down the worst dip/pothole infested road I could find and did not hear the noise!! I hope it is truly and finally gone forever. The front end feels so much tighter now and not a sloppy mess all over the road.
congrats...i've got an 06, as well....fixed all front noises after replacing everything with aftermarket upgrades.welcome to the club....
Old 02-03-2013 | 05:34 PM
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and so endth the lesson, aways change both sides , as one will follow they other, when they wear out


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