Clunking noise when turning left

[Clarky]

Stab in the dark but -- Left lower control arm ball joint or front lower control arm mounting bolt. Both can cluck on change of direction and both are hardly noticeable at speed.

[Chris86]

Have also noticed in the last 2-3 days a rubbing/squeaking/squealing noise from front end when turning left or right moving or standing still. Not ear-piercingly loud but definitely noticeable from inside the car. Power steering fluid is sitting at half. Havent been able to lift it up and have a look yet but will do this weekend with my father inlaw.

Any further thoughts?

Cheers,

Chris.

[skipperau]

Originally Posted by Chris86

Have also noticed in the last 2-3 days a rubbing/squeaking/squealing noise from front end when turning left or right moving or standing still. Not ear-piercingly loud but definitely noticeable from inside the car. Power steering fluid is sitting at half. Havent been able to lift it up and have a look yet but will do this weekend with my father inlaw.

Any further thoughts?

Cheers,

Chris.

It's sounding a bit like Clarkys suggestion of left hand ball joints is the closet guess so far, if the upper is worn it could give the clunk as well as allow the tyre to rub while in a turn. You'll find it. Start by looking on the inside of the tyre, if you see a wear line look for a corresponding spot on the shock for example.


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[Chris86]

Cheers for the suggestion i'll check it out when I get home. Only thing is that it happens when stationary as well so no real opportunity to rub?

[skipperau]

Originally Posted by Chris86

Cheers for the suggestion i'll check it out when I get home. Only thing is that it happens when stationary as well so no real opportunity to rub?

Oh pooh, sorry, I must have had rum goggles on, I didn't notice the reference to it happening while stationary as well, steering pump is a possible candidate then.


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[ren0vator]

Originally Posted by Chris86

Hey guys, just trying to identify a loud clunk noise from front end when turning left (i think ONLY left..) at slow speeds. Google search revealed a bunch of possible causes but just wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem.

Cheers!

We're turning left so the right wheel is taking more weight
Unloaded clunks are typically ball joints (left side)
Or rack ends, the connection inside steering rack (left side)
Loaded clunks are more likely control arm bushes (right side)

Does it happen all the time or just when you start driving?
Could recommend checking shock absorbers

CV Joints will click or grind turning on both full locks

As you haven't identified which side the clunk is coming from,
makes it difficult to suggest specific tests.

I rebushed my entire front end and replaced all the ball joints,
but I had quite a few clunks, bumps, thumps, kerfluncks .....

Cheers

[Chris86]

Not sure if I need to start a new thread as there seems to be two issues (possibly related):

-clunk every now and then when almost-full lock left coming from left side.

-Squeaking/rubbing noise when turning either direction particularly noticeable when stationary. Noise is coming mainly from the left (possibly slightly from right but was hard to be sure).

Heres an update:

Took White Cloud around to my father in law's who is a mechanic and tried to diagnose the problems but particularly the rubbing/squeaking noise when turning as this seems the more urgent (clunk is only semi-regular and only did it twice out of 100ish turns of the wheel). Noise is definitely not pump/belt related.

Took weight off the left wheel and the noise either stopped or was very quiet. Put weight back on and seemed to be coming from either of the lower ball joints (control arm and the other one, not sure of its name) or driveshaft CV.

The bottom ball joint's boot was lifted at the bottom edge (see picture) at both left and right wheels. We syringed greased the boots of all 3 of the suspects but it didnt seem to make a difference. After arriving home (20kms), the noise may have decreased but not certain. I'm thinking of replacing the two lower ball joints on either side and wondering which website is best to get them? Also an estimate for them to be changed by a mech as my father inlaw doesnt have a press. Any other info/insights would be much appreciated also. Thanks guys!