Front End "Clonk"

[Ken in MN]

Hi,
I have a front end suspension clonk every time I hit a bump of any size. I have new shocks, good ball joints, and new tie rod ends. The control arm bushings are looking cracked and hard. Could this be the culprit? Does anyone have any experience in diagnosing and replacing the bushings?

I haven't replaced the sway bar bushings, yet. They look a little hard, too.
That's next - as soon as the little snow we have finishes melting.
Ken

 

[Ian M Greer]

Ken the normal way of checking the front end is lifting your front end up (suspended ) and use a steel bar under the tire and lever it up with someone observing it for looseness in front end parts . Hopefully this might reveal your culprit . Ian

 

[tbird5866]

I would be looking at strut rod bushings. They will make a clonk when braking also.

 

[Ken in MN]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try them both once the 'bird wakes up from its winter slumber.

 

[sleeper bird]

pull the shocks and make sure that the lower bolt through the shock is tight,the lock nut can work loose and make that noise,it happened to mine on the drivers side twice had to replace the lock nut.

 

[Ken in MN]

I replaced the lower ball joints and the "clonk" is gone - nice and quiet.

 

[Ian M Greer]

Way to go Ken , enjoy. Ian