Clunking sound when turning left?

[xtremeskier97]

Ive had this problem with my XLE since I got it, but it seems to be getting louder.

When I turn left and Im coasting, no sounds or problems. But if when turning left, I press on the gas, I get a clunking sound from the front left. Nothing happens when turning right, gas pressed or not.

Any ideas? I want to get this fixed, as it seems to be getting worse.

Thanks!

[Black95Cam]

have you check your right axle outter boot to see if its ripped?

[blitzer_26]

my missus had this in her old honda concerto, my old man had a quick look at it (mechanic) and said it is either the bushes or most likley the cars done a bearing both are not very expensive although its always the labour that kills you. however he never got a chance to fix it coz the engine seized (crook oil pump) a few days later...

if it is the bearing its best to get it fixed else it just gets worse and worse...

good luck

[freeyellow2000]

see this thread DIY - Front wheel bearing R&R

And this one
this is a "how to" on replacing the passenger's side CV boots (warning- many photos) Follow the instruction there and then follow this thread instructions to replace your CV boot.


Good Luck

Just for kicks here a link to give you more pictures tittled CV Boot kit lubricants?[/QUOTE]

[xtremeskier97]

Really? A bearing going out can make a clunking noise?

The thing is, is Ive also got a metal on metal scraping noise coming from the same wheel (front left) that gets louder the faster I go.

I guess Ill replace the bearing first, and see if it gets rid of both the sounds and go from there.

Is it good practice to replace the bearings on both sides at the same time like doing brakes and struts?

thanks for the posts guys!

[blitzer_26]

Originally Posted by xtremeskier97

Really? A bearing going out can make a clunking noise?

The thing is, is Ive also got a metal on metal scraping noise coming from the same wheel (front left) that gets louder the faster I go.

I guess Ill replace the bearing first, and see if it gets rid of both the sounds and go from there.

Is it good practice to replace the bearings on both sides at the same time like doing brakes and struts?

thanks for the posts guys!

isnt nessasary to replace both sides but if you have the time and $$ to do so why not, keep the old bearings as spare parts

as of the metal on metal scraping sound, it could be the break pad indicators [[on the camrys the pads have a small metal piece that is designed to rub against the discs to let you know when your pads are low, so you replace them...its usually an annoying squealing sound apon breaking and gets worse and worse if you dont replace them]], however if the sound is constant and it is the pads, replace them asap or else you will wreck the discs, as this means that the pads have worn out and the pad mounts are scraping on the actual discs, if this is the case and it's left un-attended you may have to have the discs lathed back or make purchase of some new ones.

changing pads are pretty easy im sure there is a DIY in the fourm somewhere, i recomend removing the pads and checking if it is them before you go buy new ones

without actually driving the car its hard to tell if this is the case or not so i hope people correct me if im wrong.. but theres no harm in checking the pads anyways....

good luck

[xtremeskier97]

Thank you for the suggestion, but I should have mentioned that ive already completed a complete brake job on this car myself, replacing the rear rotors and pads and replacing the front pads. They all have less than 2000 miles on them. The sound was there BEFORE and AFTER replacing the pads, so im pretty positive this isnt the cause.

I was thinking that the clunking sound may be the strut mount, but it would be odd that it only happens when turning left WHILE pressing the gas.

Any other suggestions?

[new echo owner]

Jack up the front-end of the car, grab hold of the top and bottom of the front wheel, and check to see if there is any movement with a push and pull motion. It is possible that the wheel bearing is out allowing the rotor to come in contact with the brake pad bracket on turns.

Strut mount usually make noise over bumps, on the other hand, strut mount bearing makes noise when you are turning.

N.E.O.

[xtremeskier97]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

Jack up the front-end of the car, grab hold of the top and bottom of the front wheel, and check to see if there is any movement with a push and pull motion. It is possible that the wheel bearing is out allowing the rotor to come in contact with the brake pad bracket on turns.

Strut mount usually make noise over bumps, on the other hand, strut mount bearing makes noise when you are turning.

N.E.O.

Oooh...strut mount BEARINGS...didnt think of that! Good call. I'll be checking this out this weekend to see where I stand.

If there are any other possibilities, please post.

Thanks guys!

[Black95Cam]

not sure if you checked your axle not but i'll give that an inspection.. since your making a left turn it make the clunking sounds, i would check the right side..

[blitzer_26]

having a browse around google most say 'first check for worn or broken shock absorbers'

although interestingly some guy said...

"I've had such a noise in my car, 78 Benz 300CD. The fix was a loose header pipe coming off the exhause manifold. It had about 2 inches of sway when loose and would knock against the engine mounts."

i guess were all just poking around in the dark...hard to tell with out hearing or seeing the car

[xtremeskier97]

Man, if it's the shocks/struts, i'll be upset. They were replaced not too long before I bought the car. I'll have to check the actual date when I get home, but it was within the last 2 years they were replaced.

And I understand about the turning left check the right side thing, but the sound is coming from the drivers side, not the passenger side. I have my camera with me today, so I may turn it on video mode and try to capture the sound on my way home and post it up.

[new echo owner]

It still could be the wheel bearing, if it only makes noise when it is moving.

N.E.O.

[xtremeskier97]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

It still could be the wheel bearing, if it only makes noise when it is moving.

N.E.O.

Well, im pretty sure that the metal on metal dragging sound is from the wheel bearings, but wont know for sure until this weekend when I can look at it more closely. But I think the clunking sound is something besides the wheel bearing. Im leaning towards strut mount, strut bearing, or CV joint.


And I looked in the maintenance record and all struts were replaced in Feb-Mar '03, longer ago than I thought, but still, should be good still.

** Posting videos of sound I captured on the way home. Took several so youll can listen and hear the same sound.

[xtremeskier97]

Alright guys...got some clips. When listening to the videos, the sound is the clunking sound. It is present in all 3 videos.