ClaNK, CLanK You'Re Dead!!!

[positron1]

I got a problem with my front suspension. Everytime I hit a bump in the road I hear a clanking/rattling sound coming from the front underside of the car. Anyone know what that could be. I think it's my wheelbearings. Could it be my wheelbearings? It's my wheelbearings isn't it?

[DAEDALUS]

Wheel bearings usually make more of a grinding or groaning noise when they go. If they were loose enough to clank like that, I think you'd have known long ago. Probably related to the suspension.

[benemorius]

Could be as simple as a loose exhaust heat shield.

Noises are tough to diagnose over the internet. My best suggestion would be to have a buddy drive your car over a speed bump while you lay next to it and try to locate the source.
Modified by benemorius at 4:43 PM 3/31/2005

[2Fass240us]

I've heard thunking that ended up being FLCA balljoints. Not a clanking per se, but thought you might like to know.

[positron1]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll check it out!

[Onizuka]

do a "shake test". Have someone hold on to the steering wheel then you shake both wheels as hard as you can from several angles. Any movement and chances are either your steering rack is bad or you have a loose component somewhere. If there is no movement, make sure to check your struts to see that they are securly mounted. If its non of these things, its probably a loose body panel or something.

[2Fass240us]

do a "shake test". Have someone hold on to the steering wheel then you shake both wheels as hard as you can from several angles. Any movement and chances are either your steering rack is bad or you have a loose component somewhere. If there is no movement, make sure to check your struts to see that they are securly mounted. If its non of these things, its probably a loose body panel or something.

Good idea. This should help diagnose a bad tie rod or tie rod end. A lot of S13's and some early S14's are getting bad tie rod ends. Mine were completely shot and I replaced them with some MOOG units. Good luck.

[bcar240]

Could be as simple as a loose exhaust heat shield.

Noises are tough to diagnose over the internet. By best suggestion would be to have a buddy drive your car over a speed bump while you lay next to it and try to locate the source.

Make sure you trust your friend.

And IIRC, a tie rod test is to be going about 5mph or less and just slam the brakes. If you hear weird popping or it feels like the front wheel is jumping up and down, something is probably wrong.