Clunking noise in front driver wheel when hitting bumps or dips.

[sd0wn]

I drive a 2007 Corolla S

I don't like to hit up forums like this but i love my corolla and enjoy knowing how to fix it, but this one i cant figure out.

While it was under warranty and i didnt have much time to investigate I took it to the dealership the first time it was making this noise. I wish I knew 100% what the dealer repair guy said, but what I do remember is him saying it was some sort of belt that needed to be replaced. It didnt make sense to me at the time but the noise was 99% gone. I said 99% because i could still faintly hear it but not as bad as it was before i went there... However in a months time the noise was back in full force..

To explain the noise, it is like a clunking noise. Almost like metal on metal. A "thud" could explain it but to me is seems like the suspension. Like it should be smoother but its failing or something is broke. You only hear it if you hit a pot hole, or maybe like a quick dip in the road. Driveways are a good way to recreate it, but pot holes are just as consistent.

It sounds like is right near the front driverside wheel. Definitely in that area if not the wheel then something pretty darn close to it.

If i were to go bounce the front the car or shake it, you cannot hear anything. Everything seems fine..

Anyone know what I can check, or what I can look at?

How safe is it to be driving on this?

Other notable things:
1.) The car shakes really bad when engaging the breaks down hill. Maybe related or early sign breaks need to be replaced?

2.) When going from neutral into reverse, the engine shakes very hardly. Like a loud thud. A friend who also has a corolla said thats normal but i figured its worth pointing out.

Any feedback on how to troubleshoot this would be awsome.

[REN69]

lose sway bar end link, lose exhaust shield, bad motor mount, bad strut mount... I could go on, so yeah could be anything, without actually looking at it no one can really tell what it is, only speculate.

take it to a mechanic and have them drive it and listen.

[olbus]

Push up and down on the car on that side, like you do when you check shocks and see if you can make it happen. If so you should be able to find the source if you have another person pushing on it while you check.
If you have a good jack, jack that side up and shake the tire back and forth all directions and see what you find. (being careful not to get in the way if it falls off the jack)
Like Ren69 said, my first thought is a strut or strut mount, but hard to say without being there.