Ok, clunking may not be the most technical term! However, there is a definite clunk from the right front wheel whenever I go over a speed bump or a pothole or whatever.

I have an 02 xkr 100, if that makes a difference to anyones opinion of the situation.

I am wondering what it could be and what I can expect for a repair bill.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Kip

 

Saying that something is loose may not be specific enough, but I would start by looking at the sway bar bushings. There are a bunch of bushings and brake parts there that can clunk, just eliminate them one by one.

 

+1

There's a lot of bushes can wear in the front suspension. This drawing may help you with where to check:

JTIS - 2002 Front Suspension.pdf

In league table order for failure are

item 3: upper wishbone bushes
item 8: upper balljoint
item 5: lower wishbone bushes
item 7: lower balljoint
item 2: shock absorber - both ends
item 6: stabiliser bar

It could also be coming from the front crossmember or steering or even a pebble stuck in the tyre tread.

Graham

 

My understanding is that the XKR100 has a slightly different suspension set up than the regular XKR, however, i could be incorrect about that. Something to do with an advanced stability control system or something.

My mechanic indicated that it was "housed" or sealed unit and he wouldn't know what was wrong until he got inside it.

Does that sound correct or plausible? I am sure it is plausible, he seems very knowledgeable and reputable although on my last visit, a $400 60,000 mile tune up turned into a $2000 rear brake job so I am a bit reticent!

thanks,

Kip

 

See the final section of the PDF in Post 3 above.

This outlines the differences in the suspension on vehicles fitted with the Enhanced Handling Pack.

Graham

 

And the sway bar end links are probably the first to go, easiest to replace, and cheapest of all the "wear out" components.

Park the car on level ground, with it in park, but don't set the e-brake. Wheels straight, push hard horizontally on the top of your tire (might as well do both sides), and see if you get a clunking or clanking sound. Use your foot and give it a good shove. If it clunks/clanks, start with the sway bar end links.

 

Hi Kiphome,

Did you ever find out what the clunking/knocking was?

I had exactly the same problem on mine one day, but the cause was a bit frightening.

Wasnt the usual wornout balljonts or bushes, but a snapped lower wishbone!

I've never really pushed the car, always avoided potholes and taken the less bumpy roads. Was just wondering if anyone else experience this?

 

Wow Now I want to look at mine.

 

SNAP!



This is the LH on a 2001 XK8.

Graham

 

Hi Sweatyfox ,
I've know of several XK's doing this , it's caused by seized bushes , the wishbone can't move because the bush has seized so it flexes and cracks the cast wishbone instead , can cause a nasty accident !!!
........by the way , that's an upper wishbone , lowers are much , much harder to crack and break

All the best

NikasilNik