Loud Clunk Drivers Side
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Teching In
Joined: Aug 2012
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Loud Clunk Drivers Side I just noticed recently that when going over bumps that there is a clunk/clank coming from the driver side around the front wheel area. I checked all the bolts and everything looks tight and nothing is missing. I did notice that the bushing on the control arm nearest the driver is cracked. Is this the cause? I know very little about the suspension so any input would be greatly appreciated.
The car is a 96 z28 convertible. As far as the suspension the car has bilstein shocks and eibach springs (the SLP performance suspension pack). Also has sub frame connectors and a strut tower brace.
Thanks again for any help beforehand.
The car is a 96 z28 convertible. As far as the suspension the car has bilstein shocks and eibach springs (the SLP performance suspension pack). Also has sub frame connectors and a strut tower brace.
Thanks again for any help beforehand.
That might be it then, the front lower control vertical bushings. I'd go ahead inspect it further, if it does need replacing then replace the one on the passenger side also, along with the ball-joints .
Last edited by 99Bluz28; Aug 26, 2013 at 12:59 PM. Reason: corrections from postion while half a sleep
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Elgin, Il
I doubt that vertical/rear bushing is the cause, unless you can really move the arm around - that is if the bushing is wiped out. Did you check the sway bar links? Ball joints usually make noise turning but put a prybar inbetween the lower arm and the knuckle and see if there is play in the ball joint. The vertical control arm bushing is allowed to move a little up and down but NOT side to side. Also make sure you didnt leave any tools under the hood :-)
How's the tire look, is there any uneven wear, does the car seem to sway more around curves and corners?
Does it make the noise if you push up/down hard on the driver side (under the hood)while the car is parked?
Does it make the noise if you push up/down hard on the driver side (under the hood)while the car is parked?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2012
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Thanks for the input when I get home from work I will be sure to check out everything you suggested and report back. I can tell you now that the tire wear looks perfect I had the wheel off yesterday when trying to figure it out.
Thread Starter
Teching In
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Ok so it was raining last night where I live so I never got to check anything out. I should be able to get access to a lift later this week so I can get underneath and really take a good look at everything. I will keep you guys updated and I will be sure to check out what you suggested.
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I had this too, and as unlikely as it seems, it was an exhaust leak at the driver's side manifold. I could've sworn my mechanic was lying since it came from the front driver's side wheel (suspected bushings, etc) only when going over bumps/taking turns, but one new gasket later it was gone. I'm probably wrong, but just sharing my experience in hopes it helps someone. 
Teching In
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From: Long Island, New York
I didn't think to check the exhaust since it sounds like metal clunking together. I'm gonna have to get it up and check it out. I changed my shot out sway bar links though and the sound is still there. You figure out your issue yet 96?
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Teching In
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Hey sorry it has been a while since I was on this site but yea got it all fixed. The strut mount on the driver side cracked. Couldnt see it until we got the car on a lift. Swapped it out and everything is back to normal other than the little creaks from having a convertible. Thanks for all the input.
