Clunk turning left

[tezza]

Hi everyone,

I have a clunk which sometimes occures when turning left. It doesnt do it all the time when turning but often enough to annoy me.
Searching threads on here, it could possibly be the sawy bar link pins.

I replaced the rubbers only on it the other day with some I had lying around (got new pins to put in it when I do the struts too) so I thought that would have solved it. Had another look and the link pin is slightly bent. Would this cause it to clunk as its not locating the metal washers properly?

Also, any dramas if I run the car with the link pin disconnected (just for say a few hours to see if the noise is there) to eliminate the noise?

Thanks

[ll_luce]

Be very interesting to see what the replys are here, I have the exact same problem with mine but turning right, I fyou give it a bit of a stick there is a clunk coming from the rear, Would it be possible for you post a picture of these pin locations because I still cannot find the problem with mine so far.

Cheers and all the best with it

[tezza]

The link pins are nice and tight with no movement in mine, although one has a slight bend. I'll replace the struts in the next couple of weeks.
I dont think it is the link pins which is why Im thinking of disconnecting the bent link pin.

I dont have a pic but the link pins go from the strut to the swaybar.

[tezza]

Ok replaced the strut tops and bearings (needed doing as they had collapsed) although the clunk is still there. Swaybar link pins are new as one of the previous ones were bent slightly. The noise is still there. Only other things I can think of are control arm bushes, strut bar bush or ball joint.

Do control arm and strut bar bushes flog out on these? They appear to be fine looking at it.

[johnno010684]

its worth doing the control arm bushes. i did mine and cant beleive how good the car feels now. as for the clunk, maybe one of the control arm bushes has separated from the rubber, but by the looks of mine when i spent ages trying to get them out i doubt it.

[Jamiejamie]

Mate I just resolved the same problem...had a clunk when turning left and checked my link pins, the left side seemed a bit rooted but it actually ended up being the bolts for the power steering rack to the crossmember had come loose. Once tightened the noise was instantly gone. Try that.

[tezza]

Thanks I will have a look at the rack bolts and nuts tomorrow. Did your just have a intermittent clunk when turning sometimes?

[Jamiejamie]

Yeah it started off just sometimes and got worse and worse till it was every time I turned.

[tezza]

Thanks, rack bolts were tight. Mines just intermittent which makes it harder to diagnose.
Jacked up the front end again and rocked the wheels left and right. Made a bit of a clunk so possible tie rod, rack end or the steering rack itself.

Should there be slight noise in the rack or is it signs of a failing rack.

[som]

You're doing all the right things.Tie rod ends are really common (and inexpensive),Link pins and bushes are just as common but make sure that the washers are in the correct way ( ie.so that the curve in the washer pushes the centre of the rubber towards the sway bar ) but after those are checked it still may be your control arm bushes. Although I wouldn't want them to do any actual work on my car cos my pockets are just not deep enough,a Pedders check might be good value.

[tezza]

Yeah Im taking it to a steering specialist today to get them to have a look at it. No point taking it to Pedders because I know everything else has been replaced LOL