VN Metal on Metal noise / Vibration
After driving 10 or so km's my VN starts making intermittent metal on metal clunking noises from the front, which also sends small vibrations to the steering wheel.
Most obvious when breaking hard, and over 90km's feels like balance is out.
Recently had the leaking steering unit replaced with a reconditioned unit (problem was first noticed about 1500 km after this was done). I've also just had the shocks replaced. Wheels are all balanced, and alignment is good.
My mechanic has been looking at the issue, but so far hasn't been able to find the problem.
Given it runs okay for the first 10 or so kms when cold, we're starting to pull our hair out - any pointers would be appreciated...
Last edited by kerrin; 02-12-2007 at 05:00 PM.
Donating Member
from the engine? or some suspension component?
Believe its from the steering, or some suspension component.
Also forgot to mention that some rubber bushes have also been replaced (was some movement in the steering before).
After doing 10 or so km's, if I bunny hop on the breaks (slowly idling along, then stopping) I can make the noise and steering shudder on demand. Never happens before this.. When it first started to occur it was more like 20-30 kms before it started, then was really intermittent... now quite regular once it starts...
Donating Member
do you get clunking noises when turning in tight spots like parking? have you checked that the rotors are warped?
I haven't noticed, but will try some tight moves in the car park tonight. Will check rotors too.
Interestingly the noises don't appear to be km based as first thought. It appears to happen after stopping for period, and then resume driving. It's like something is cooling causing contraction/expansion then movement/play occurs when it heats back up again?
No clunking noises when turning in tight spots.
After driving for a while you can make it do the clunk on demand... By idling forward then breaking hard these things occur.. the passenger front wheel appears to move forward slightly, a metal on metal clunk, and also slight movement in the steering wheel is noticeable...
I drink beer, and I vote!
Could be a worn engine mount?
Check the castor bar " Z bar" on the front left is tight at both ends. Maybe the bush is just worn on one end too?Originally Posted by kerrin
Obviously you would have checked tie rod ends and lower ball joint etc. Including brake caliper mount bolts, rotors and wheel bearing etc.
Check that the lower control arm is not bent or twisted as they can make a funny noise if they get bent as they flex when you are steering. ( had bent one on the race car and it did this strange clunk noise when turning lock to lock)
Also do you have an adjustable front strut top bearing mount???? Check the three nuts are tight on it as well.
Also check the k-frame bolts are tight.
Let us know how you go!
Exhaust Guru
Look at the exhaust where it comes down past the rack, it may be touching somewhere.
Posting Permissions
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote