Front end clunking noise low speeds
#16
thanks for your fast response. which endlinks would you recommend? i was looking into some SPL ones
#18
Over the past week my car has developed a metal on metal type clunk noise that seems to be coming from the front drivers side. It almost sounds like a broken strut or worn balljoint. I have about 71K miles and lowered on 350Z springs up front with sport struts and Stillen sway bars.
The noise only occurs at low speeds on rough roads/bumps. Anything over 25MPH there is no noise at all. I thought my sway bar was loose, so I got under the car yesterday and checked all bolts and the notorious endlinks. Everything was tight
and all bushings appeared to be okay too. Anything else I should look at/for?
The noise only occurs at low speeds on rough roads/bumps. Anything over 25MPH there is no noise at all. I thought my sway bar was loose, so I got under the car yesterday and checked all bolts and the notorious endlinks. Everything was tight
and all bushings appeared to be okay too. Anything else I should look at/for?
#20
The G35 utilizes shocks and front upper arm suspension. The upper shock mounts would not cause noises like they do on a strut setup. If replacing the endlinks doesn't solve the problem, then it is very likely other suspension components. A worn ball joint can cause clunking.
You may want to check and see if the lower transvere inner bushings are in good shape.
You may want to check and see if the lower transvere inner bushings are in good shape.
#21
The G35 utilizes shocks and front upper arm suspension. The upper shock mounts would not cause noises like they do on a strut setup. If replacing the endlinks doesn't solve the problem, then it is very likely other suspension components. A worn ball joint can cause clunking.
You may want to check and see if the lower transvere inner bushings are in good shape.
You may want to check and see if the lower transvere inner bushings are in good shape.
Edit: I am going to replace my sway bar bushings since I've read that could be the source of the knocking/clunking as well.
Last edited by RADIOGUY21; 02-28-2011 at 06:01 PM.
#22
just an update...
I have replaced the endlinks and sway bar bushings and the clunking noise is still there. It has gotten much worse with time. My next guess is the lower control arm (transverse link) bushing(s) are the culprit? How much should I expect to pay to have the bushings pressed out and replaced? I would do both sides while i'm at it.
I have replaced the endlinks and sway bar bushings and the clunking noise is still there. It has gotten much worse with time. My next guess is the lower control arm (transverse link) bushing(s) are the culprit? How much should I expect to pay to have the bushings pressed out and replaced? I would do both sides while i'm at it.
#23
It is possible that with your shorter springs and stiffer bar that even new stock end links could clunk. I have Z springs and as soon as I installed Motordyne sways, I got the same clunk you describe coming from one corner. I removed the sways completely, just to verify they were the cause of the clunk. I drove for two months like that (it's like driving a Buick) while waiting for the SPL end links to arrive. Unfortunately after installing the SPL end links, the clunk was back. Yes, I made sure there was no preload on the bars, everything was torqued to specs, and that the links were aligned at the best possible angles.
Anyway, I would remove those sway bars and end links completely just to verify that the problem isn't with them. It doesn't cost you anything, and a drive around the block will immediately give you an answer. If you only remove the front bar, watch out for crazy oversteer.
Anyway, I would remove those sway bars and end links completely just to verify that the problem isn't with them. It doesn't cost you anything, and a drive around the block will immediately give you an answer. If you only remove the front bar, watch out for crazy oversteer.
#24
I got the same clunking/knocking sound in the front right at low speed only and over the smallest of bumps or pavement cracks. Replaced the end link, and the lower transverse control arm(since I snapped off a bolt when trying to remove the lil ball joint type thingie the end link was attached to). Noise still there. Haven't had a shop impact torque the top center strut bolt yet, but it seems awefully tight when I try to wrench it....dealer said compression rod without even really looking at it, but would it really make that noise? It doesn't have a whole lot of play in it at all. I don't wanna throw $200 more at a part that isn't the problem. Every other bolt I could see I checked for tightness...
#25
#26
any new updates?
my clunking is there.. i'm planning on replacing the compression rod bushings and end links with SPL.
also is anyone's car feel loose around 60mph +?
i had an alignment done and it feels like the toe is off, but the print out states it's within spec.. anyone know what i can do to fix that?
i've had my lower control arm bushing replaced with whiteline already.
my clunking is there.. i'm planning on replacing the compression rod bushings and end links with SPL.
also is anyone's car feel loose around 60mph +?
i had an alignment done and it feels like the toe is off, but the print out states it's within spec.. anyone know what i can do to fix that?
i've had my lower control arm bushing replaced with whiteline already.
#27
#28
I've got a similar noise now as well. I mainly notice it when first moving from a start. I dont however notice it after moving off from being stopped at a light.
Makes a slight grinding noise from drivers side front and then thats it. Seems like its usually about the time it goes from 1st to 2nd but I don't think its the tranny since it doesnt do it every time.
Any thoughts?
Makes a slight grinding noise from drivers side front and then thats it. Seems like its usually about the time it goes from 1st to 2nd but I don't think its the tranny since it doesnt do it every time.
Any thoughts?