Clunking coming from RF

[priapism]

Pardon the n00bness, I don't usually do suspension stuff but this is on my SE30 so taking it to a shop is a huge hassle...

At parking lot speeds there's a clunking coming from the right front wheel area in tight right turns. It's speed related, sounds like it's happening once per wheel revolution. I've given a good tug on all the suspension parts in that area but I'm not seeing anything loose. Where do I start for something like that?

[Hellabad]

Pardon the n00bness, I don't usually do suspension stuff but this is on my SE30 so taking it to a shop is a huge hassle...

At parking lot speeds there's a clunking coming from the right front wheel area in tight right turns. It's speed related, sounds like it's happening once per wheel revolution. I've given a good tug on all the suspension parts in that area but I'm not seeing anything loose. Where do I start for something like that?

For the price compared to the potential consequences, just change both front wheel bearings.

If you are worried about your race car, then your mind will make you more cautious aka s l o w e r

[drumad]

you have the worst username btw

[priapism]

Thanks for the constructive input. Most people think it's funny.

[drumad]

I do think it's funny, it just makes my penis hide and cower in fear.

Well, as far as "constructive" criticism, +1 to Mr. Ground Control. Hah. GL nevertheless.

[jlevie]

To check ball joints, squeeze the joint with a large (as in 24") pair of
channel locks and pry on the joint. Any motion whatsoever in a ball joint is
cause for replacement. Check rubber bushings by prying on them with a 24" pry
bar. More motion than there should be (this is where experience comes in play)
or any cracks are cause for replacement. You can figure on bushings being good
for about 6 years or 80k or a street car or no more than three racing seasons.

With the car up in the air, grab each front wheel at 9 & 3 o'clock and try to
wiggle the wheel. Motion along that line will be worn tie rods. Motion when
wiggling the wheel at 6 & 12 o'clock will be bearings, upper strut mounts,
or control arm ball joints. Spin each wheel and listen for roughness in the bearings.
If the brakes drag, remove the caliper to eliminate sounds from dragging brakes. Any roughness when spinning the wheel is cause for bearing replacement.

Also check the condition of the sway bushings and end links. wear in those can cause
noise.

[priapism]

Thanks. We did the wiggle test but everything seemed firm. I suspected bushings but I didn't know the proper test.

[jlevie]

What control arm bushings are you using and how old are they?

Have you tried the channel lock test on the ball joints?

What camber plates do you have and were the struts assembled correctly? Specifically is the large washer in between the camber plate and upper spring perch?

[priapism]

I have no idea, I bought the car recently as-is. I gave all the suspension parts a good shove but not with a channel locks.

[DRTSRFR]

At parking lot speeds there's a clunking coming from the right front wheel area in tight right turns. IT'S SPEED RELATED, sounds like it's happening once per wheel revolution.

The rod ends/ball joints aren't going to be speed sensitive.

[priapism]

I do think it's funny, it just makes my penis hide and cower in fear.

At my age that just sounds like a good time. ;)

Sounds like it's either bushings or bearings, either way I can't do either. Sounds like I get to go rent a trailer! Thanks

[E30_fiend]

Is it a loud clunking sound or just audible? If its a quiet sound and yoi have stock basket weaves, the caps make a decent amount of noise when they are broken or breaking.

Just a thought.


Taylor

[taiden]

Can you explain the 'clunk' noise more?

Bearings dont really clunk

But there isn't much else in there that would make a noise based on speed, and only on a right turn.

I want to say axles from my days of FWD/AWD ownership, but it should be obvious as to why this can't be the case. I did check to see if you have an IX though, and it appears that you do not.

The only other things I can think of are:

-loose lug bolts
-hanging fender liner
-bent brake dust shield

[priapism]

Def not basketweaves, it's on Rotas and D Forces.

I wheeled it into the cul-de sac and drove it in circles and it wasn't clunking anymore (I haven't driven it since it was at the track, it's not road legal). I remember while I was there I swapped tires front to back because of a flat spot. I think it was either a wheel or a cross threaded lug because it ain't doin it no more.

False alarm I guess!

This is the car btw: