Clanking sound

[shazapple]

Ive had this sound for a while, but Im not exactly sure what it is. Usually it comes from the front left of the car, when im going over a series of bumps. It sounds like a hammer shaking up and down between two pieces of metal.

Any idea what this could me? I figure its some sort of bushing or suspension related

[MR.MCSICK]

Possibly a strut to and/or bearing. Seems like a good culprit, at least from my experience with toyotas. Other than that perhaps a rubber bushing. I would jack it up and start shaking stuff if i was you, that will at least find most worn out bushings with the load off of the suspension. hope that helps sorta. :lol:

[phi11]

both my cars do it.
But, It is louder in the gt.
Maybe because it is older.





My shocks are almost shot!
I'm getting ready to do my balljoints
will look for something loose.

[Legacy4Life]

I've had to replace the bushings on the sway bar in front a couple of times in my 288,000 kms because of that noise. It has solved the problem both times. However, maybe the sound isn't the same. Mine was more noticeable on small bumps then larger ones. They're not very expensive and pretty quick to install as well.

[Plays_with_Toys]

I've got the same sound. Like plastic slapping the ground on big/fast bumps. My front shocks are blown, but I haven't gotten the money to replace them yet... Damn college and its infernal education for the rest of my life... :lol:

[shazapple]

I dont think my shocks are blown :? possible though. Going to replace them anyway when I get new springs...

I checked the swaybar bushings and they looked to be fine and in place. Never know what they do in motion though.

The reason I thought of this thread was because of the Steering bushing thread. The sound always made me think that something was loose in the steering. Kinda sounds like a woodpecker on the steering column :lol:

[belladonna]

ball joint perhaps? maybe a bad strut mount....

:?

[Tokio]

s t r u t f a i l u r e


...can you dig it?

[JPaul99GT]

my car does this too.... would really love to know what it is. few friends of mine have looked at it and said everything looks fine, not subaru guys however....

[Wiscon_Mark]

Must be a white sedan thing ;)

[gator gt]

Not just a white sedan thing....

I've got it on mine. Brought it up to my local tech and he told me it could be the struts or some bushing. Told me to try new front drop links....cheaper than struts.

So I got some Whiteline HD front links. Still there.

about a month ago, I swapped out my original suspension for GR-2s and Whiteline control springs.....still there. And I have different strut tops too.

I've had it since Dec of 03. It happens over larger bumps for me; bridge gaps and cracks in the road don't do it. And it tends to happen while I turn the car and the suspension is being worked.

Its annoying, but I don't think it's a drastic thing.

And it does sound like a small toy hammer banging back and forth in a large coffee can.

Since I haven't replaced them, it could be:
bearing
ball joint
front sway bushing(s)

not sure.

GGT

[Wiscon_Mark]

surprisingly, I don't have this problem, even though i have more miles than most people on the boards...and no new suspension componenets, ever...

[gator gt]

anyone been in an accident with bent suspension or significant hits to the wheels?

I have. Front corner was smashed.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/10/1100close-1.jpg

The outer tie rod was bent. I drove home 400 miles (from Fort Drum, NY) with the wheel at the 2 o'clock position the entire time. Yeah, ruined the tires, but hey, no better excuse to get tires!

I only had the car for 3 months when it happened, so I couldn't say whether the noise was there prior to the accident.

So, if you've had a front end collision, hit a curb or done anything to harm the corners....you may have this sound.

If you are CERTAIN that nothing has happened to your car, well, I'm not sure where it would come from.

Yes, the condition of the car was brought back to original condition. I made sure that the frame was straightened and the ride was brought back to original condition.

GGT

[Disturbed_beast]

Yep know that feelin, this is my old Legacy L after i lost control and crashed into a bush and turned the car 180 degrees and hit a oak tree, little less the two years ago

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/420000-420999/420721_192.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/420000-420999/420721_191.jpg

[gator gt]

That sucks DB.....someone hit me.

GGT

[Huffer]

Sometimes, noises are just noises. If you can live with it, and it's not affecting performance any...then it's probably just a noise.

I get trim rattles etc, odd suspension knocking a bit, but it's never affected my "on the edge" handling etc.

[Lostagain]

Both of the Legacys I have owned have this noise. I'm thinking it is strut related. The front end is tight. I have replaced wheel bearings and ball joints and the noise is still there. It's just a clunk sound when you hit things just right at low speeds. The only way I have been able to make it happen outside of the car is bouncing my foot off the lug wrench while tightening the lug nuts. Sounds like it is comming from the top of the struts.

[scottzg]

if you have this noise and have replaced your suspension, check that your strut topnut has not loosened a little. That happened to me.