Front-suspension clunk that won't go away :(
#1
Front-suspension clunk that won't go away :(
I've replaced most of the rubber bits in the suspension and steering and yet can't make this front-suspension "shut-up", it clunks away with a noise similar to if the shocks are bad, but they are brand new.
The clunk happens over all medium/large bumps and can also be easily replicated by simply steering side-to-side rapidly while driving (at parking-lot speeds.) Other than the noise, the car seems to handle and steer very well, and tracks perfectly straight.
On a lift, nothing done with a prybar could replicate the clunk noise or show anything is wrong other than the engine mounts. (I'm ordering 2 new engine mounts and also the transmission mount to install at the same time of attempting this repair.)
The following are brand new:
outer tie rod ends
all 4 ball joints
Stabilizer Bar Bushings and links
both shocks and shock mounts
What else is there that could cause this clunking?
Could poorly installed ball joints do that? There is a tiny 1mm gap where they should be flush against the car. That seems unlikely.
The clunk happens over all medium/large bumps and can also be easily replicated by simply steering side-to-side rapidly while driving (at parking-lot speeds.) Other than the noise, the car seems to handle and steer very well, and tracks perfectly straight.
On a lift, nothing done with a prybar could replicate the clunk noise or show anything is wrong other than the engine mounts. (I'm ordering 2 new engine mounts and also the transmission mount to install at the same time of attempting this repair.)
The following are brand new:
outer tie rod ends
all 4 ball joints
Stabilizer Bar Bushings and links
both shocks and shock mounts
What else is there that could cause this clunking?
Could poorly installed ball joints do that? There is a tiny 1mm gap where they should be flush against the car. That seems unlikely.
#2
Join Date: Feb 2013
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Have you replaced the shock tower bushings? Look for little orange pieces on the well around the tower, see this thread, excellent description and repair https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ut-bfh-177028/.
Also, is the noise only from the front? I would suspect the rears bushings to need to be done also.
Also, is the noise only from the front? I would suspect the rears bushings to need to be done also.
#4
+1 what CharlzO said.
Not likely but also check the condition of the front subframe, rear circular bushings.
I also wouldn't be too concerned about the 1mm gap between your ball joints. When I press them in and can't possibly go any further, there's usually a slight gap even though there shouldn't be.
Not likely but also check the condition of the front subframe, rear circular bushings.
I also wouldn't be too concerned about the 1mm gap between your ball joints. When I press them in and can't possibly go any further, there's usually a slight gap even though there shouldn't be.
#6
#7
Just because the bolt looks like it should fit when you got it at the hardware store doesn't mean it is not a few thousandths too small for the application = clunk.
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#8
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#11
+1 what CharlzO said.
Not likely but also check the condition of the front subframe, rear circular bushings.
I also wouldn't be too concerned about the 1mm gap between your ball joints. When I press them in and can't possibly go any further, there's usually a slight gap even though there shouldn't be.
Not likely but also check the condition of the front subframe, rear circular bushings.
I also wouldn't be too concerned about the 1mm gap between your ball joints. When I press them in and can't possibly go any further, there's usually a slight gap even though there shouldn't be.
I just replaced them on a friend's X308 and they were dead. And you got a "clunk" upon braking (feelable in the steering wheel and in the brake pedal) as well as cornering over "bumpy" roads.
My front axle has the same issues. Everything else is "less likely".
The front subframe rear bushes are an axle out job and you will want to take it to Jaguar to do, as it is really awkward. They need two hours just to change the bushes. If you remove the axle (axle removal is according to Jaguar 1.5h) and remove all the wishbones and co, then you'll get it done cheapest. You'll still want an alingment afterwards though!
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XJRay (02-26-2017)
#12
Mine just started making a clunk noise on the right front every so often when turning at speeds below 10 mph. Even seemed like it was more difficult to move the car. I'm almost wondering if it's a caliper hanging though since I hear what seems like a rubbing or vibration from that side at slow speeds.