Chaps,

I just did a Roadtrip LA to SF in my 2004 X Type/ 39,000 miles. After i arrived I was reverse parallel parking when there was a loud crack/clunk sound from front left side. Loud enough for a pedestrian to notice and look alarmed.

The front end has always been a bit noisy and rattled more than I like since I bought the car 9 months ago. The car came from a dry and hot desert town, so my mechanic thought the shocks might have leaked and dried out or possibly bushings perished. I was planning on having work done when I could afford.

After this happened the car seems to drive OK going forward, but later when I reverse parallel parked again, similar although not as dramatic sounds, came from same area.

Questions:

Any idea what this might be?

I don't have the funds for repairs right now, car seems to be driving OK forward. I must drive 500 miles back to LA tomorrow, is this crazy? Then I was planning to have my mechanic address overall front-end issues as soon as I am able.

Thanks in advance for any input, so far I couldn't find anything on the forums that described my experience.

Best,

JS

 

Hi JS,

I don't think I can help as I am not sure what you are describing.

I think an underbody inspection (visible!!!) is at least a start.

Is the loud clunk when you were releasing the handbrake? If so, it sounds as if it's seized on (this can happen when you are parked up with handbrake on for a while, without any movement).

But you say the sound came from front left, I am confused. Is this bang when you are conrnering and turning the steering, it could be bushings, track rods or anything in that area, hmmm.

I would look up Thermo as he's good to help on these unsure occassions and he knows his stuff!!

Personally, I wouldn't go on this 500 mile trip until you are sure what is up?

I know this advice does not help and you are in a tricky situation but you may end up a heck of a lot worse off if you don't get decent help soon.

Good Luck, Stu

 

Thanks Stu. Followed your advice (and good common sense!) and had it checked out here in SF. Turns out one of the bolts that secures the steering rack to the subframe had come completely out! It's still in place but a good inch or two out of the hole, so very good thing I checked bc my steering is incredibly compromised.

My tech in LA (awesome Owen Curtis @ Pasadena Motors) said it could be as simple as tightening the bolt down and going on my way. However the bolt is way down, in the back of the engine. So it requires an 18mm "wobble socket" and extension to get to it.

As I said in my initial post, the front end has always had more rattles than I cared for, I wonder if this bolt has been slowly working itself loose until it finally popped out! Anyway, could have been disaster if I attempted any kind of journey in that state. Fingers crossed, hopefully it's just the bolt needing tightening and maybe that even improves the rattles a bit from now on .

As a bonus in searching for the problem on the rad jag fora I came across a possibly simple fix for another tsb re the wispy sound from the steering wheel. So fingers crossed, she will be even better soon!

Will update.

 

Hi Js, sounds as if you are on the ball so to speak!
Take care!! Regards, Stu