I have this sound that come from both of my front wheels, its a clunk when the front wheels drop, or I go over a sharp (not well rounded) bump. I notice it the most when pulling out from driveway since the road is not finished yet and my front wheels drop the 2" or so from my driveway to the road.
Each FRONT WHEEL ONLY when it drops makes a "clunk", makes the noise everytime, its nor hit or miss or sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesnt. Makes the damn noise everytime. But only in the front, rear is fine
I had a similar problem when I first bought the car and I replaced both front suspension end links (did all 4) but I dont think the clunking was this bad that, or as loud.
Could anything else be broken?? Maybe the balljoints or something or are those sway bar end links just really easy to break and destroy??
I have a huge stereo in my car and drive like a maniac sometimes in the corners and in the field, I dunno if I should just put new endlinks on or if balljoints or sway bar or anything else could be at fault for this noise.
Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
its a clunk it drops makes a "clunk"replaced both front suspension end links
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These are the classic sounds of the front strut towers and/or the top bearing plate bouncing under stress. The stress of the weighted front end is very heavy and the shocks built into the McPherson struts are weak. When weak from age and use the shock which dampens the bounce and rebound of the heavy front end can no longer do the dampening because of many internal oil flow problems.
To test the shocks of the front end you really need to remove the strut tower and with a compression spring try by hand to extend and retract the shock. A good shock resists and you have to work hard at it and it moves very slowly because of metered oil flow with in the shock, but a worn shock will pull and push easily.
The old way of checking can be done if your built like a line backer and have the strength to bounce the front end hard and watch the car goes up and down a few times and finally stop.
The QX4 in my opinion has a very weak shock system and if you get 60,000 miles out of them you are doing well.
So test your shocks at the front because the rear carries next to no load and will last 130,000 miles, like the brakes.
Removal and replacement is not difficult but after they are out and on the bench the use of a compression spring tool is needed.
After compressing the spring take the top nut/bolt off in the center mark the position of the spring and remove the top plate.
Inspect and clean.
If the top plate is good you do not have to buy another set, replace the strut, mount the spring and top plate decompress the spring and line it up in its holder.
With the tower in position put a socket on the top center nut and turn to align the 3 mounting holes.
Place and start all the bolts/nuts but leave loose until all are in place, then send them home.
The hub does not have to come off, just jack the car high so you can fit and your tools will fit and the strut can be in and out without effort.
Make sure to be safe, block the rear wheels and eat a good breakfast.
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These are the classic sounds of the front strut towers and/or the top bearing plate bouncing under stress. The stress of the weighted front end is very heavy and the shocks built into the McPherson struts are weak. When weak from age and use the shock which dampens the bounce and rebound of the heavy front end can no longer do the dampening because of many internal oil flow problems.
To test the shocks of the front end you really need to remove the strut tower and with a compression spring try by hand to extend and retract the shock. A good shock resists and you have to work hard at it and it moves very slowly because of metered oil flow with in the shock, but a worn shock will pull and push easily.
The old way of checking can be done if your built like a line backer and have the strength to bounce the front end hard and watch the car goes up and down a few times and finally stop.
The QX4 in my opinion has a very weak shock system and if you get 60,000 miles out of them you are doing well.
So test your shocks at the front because the rear carries next to no load and will last 130,000 miles, like the brakes.
Removal and replacement is not difficult but after they are out and on the bench the use of a compression spring tool is needed.
After compressing the spring take the top nut/bolt off in the center mark the position of the spring and remove the top plate.
Inspect and clean.
If the top plate is good you do not have to buy another set, replace the strut, mount the spring and top plate decompress the spring and line it up in its holder.
With the tower in position put a socket on the top center nut and turn to align the 3 mounting holes.
Place and start all the bolts/nuts but leave loose until all are in place, then send them home.
The hub does not have to come off, just jack the car high so you can fit and your tools will fit and the strut can be in and out without effort.
Make sure to be safe, block the rear wheels and eat a good breakfast.
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
So you think its the bearing built right into the top of the shock thats making the clunk?? As far as I know they are aftermarket (monroe junk) shocks, replaced at one time before I bought the car.
Hmmmmm
If I do the linebacker test (I can bounce the front end no problem Im 250lbs lol) and it makes the noise, what should I listen for or try and pinpoint.
Those bearing would be real expensive and laboursome to fix along with an alignment after
If I put on new suspension end links and the noise went away but came back in like 5-7k miles, would that mean my car somehow eats these links (its lowerred and Im rough) or could they just somehow tighten everything up and make the noise stop and they were never even the problem???
Appreciate it!!
Hmmmmm
If I do the linebacker test (I can bounce the front end no problem Im 250lbs lol) and it makes the noise, what should I listen for or try and pinpoint.
Those bearing would be real expensive and laboursome to fix along with an alignment after
If I put on new suspension end links and the noise went away but came back in like 5-7k miles, would that mean my car somehow eats these links (its lowerred and Im rough) or could they just somehow tighten everything up and make the noise stop and they were never even the problem???
Appreciate it!!
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
OK line backer, step onto the front bumper and bounce keep a rhythm going to get it to really bounce, you can stay on for the ride or jump off. Watch the front bumper, as soon as you stop putting energy into the bouncing of the car, it should come to a quick stop, worn shocks would allow the car to act as a pendulum and return bounce will take place but at a lower rise. This is tough to do, I know that I could not bounce my QX4. At 4200 lbs the front has way more than 50% of the weight, so your torsion efforts are going to be hard.
The top bearing plate is tough, I doubt that you need to replace them. The banging sound is the action of a bad shock. Your car is just a steel rod going along for the ride since the oil and oil ports in the shock are shot.
The suspension links are just that added joints to link bars together. The links do wear out but instead of a banging sound they create a nuisance clicking sound. Worn link over time need to be replaced. Worn struts will not allow you the luxury of time because they involve steering, braking and support of the vehicle. The banging over or around bumps in the road add excessive shock to the springs that want to keep bouncing, it is the job of the shock portion or dampeners to absorb these stresses and stop the bounce, rebound.
You can delay repairs, many have, the shocks won't get any better and if they are gone, they won't be any worse.
If what I believe is happening the struts 1 or both are worn out
Yes it is labour intensive...jack it up, loosen rusted bolts/nuts, work from both top and beneath car, but it is a 1 man job. You will need hand tools, impact driver, pry bar, spring compression tool, grease, hand cleaner and time along with patience
I don't believe that you can make the banging noise by bouncing the car...but if you are able let me know we can make some good money.
As said earlier the life span of shocks is about 100,00 Km or 60,000 mile but it depends what road conditions you drive on. The standard struts are good enough, I've checked and if you vehicle is stock get stock struts.
Since it is a 2WD unit the extra forces in a 4WD are not needed.
Where are you located? Do the test and get back to us.
The top bearing plate is tough, I doubt that you need to replace them. The banging sound is the action of a bad shock. Your car is just a steel rod going along for the ride since the oil and oil ports in the shock are shot.
The suspension links are just that added joints to link bars together. The links do wear out but instead of a banging sound they create a nuisance clicking sound. Worn link over time need to be replaced. Worn struts will not allow you the luxury of time because they involve steering, braking and support of the vehicle. The banging over or around bumps in the road add excessive shock to the springs that want to keep bouncing, it is the job of the shock portion or dampeners to absorb these stresses and stop the bounce, rebound.
You can delay repairs, many have, the shocks won't get any better and if they are gone, they won't be any worse.
If what I believe is happening the struts 1 or both are worn out
Yes it is labour intensive...jack it up, loosen rusted bolts/nuts, work from both top and beneath car, but it is a 1 man job. You will need hand tools, impact driver, pry bar, spring compression tool, grease, hand cleaner and time along with patience
I don't believe that you can make the banging noise by bouncing the car...but if you are able let me know we can make some good money.
As said earlier the life span of shocks is about 100,00 Km or 60,000 mile but it depends what road conditions you drive on. The standard struts are good enough, I've checked and if you vehicle is stock get stock struts.
Since it is a 2WD unit the extra forces in a 4WD are not needed.
Where are you located? Do the test and get back to us.
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Buzzman
- Posts: 2079
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:35 pm
- Car: 2016 Lexus RX 350
2023 Kia Stinger Elite V6 AWD.
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
I suggest starting with the simple stuff and working your way up, so to speak.
The weak spot in the front end of these vehicles is/are the stabilizer links.
I have 225,000 Kms on my truck, and I just replaced mine again last month. This will be the fourth set.
I suggest you start with those, and go from there. They are cheap, and easy to replace.
BTW, the ball joints on my truck also got replaced this time around, but the clunking noise I had was due to the links.
FYI, my struts lasted well past the 100,000 Km mark. I did those last year at around 200,000.
As for rocking the front of the truck, I was able to hear the clunking noise by raising and dropping each side of the truck by lifting it at the wheel well, above the tire. It's heavy, but doable.
Keep us informed of your progress.
Cheers.
The weak spot in the front end of these vehicles is/are the stabilizer links.
I have 225,000 Kms on my truck, and I just replaced mine again last month. This will be the fourth set.
I suggest you start with those, and go from there. They are cheap, and easy to replace.
BTW, the ball joints on my truck also got replaced this time around, but the clunking noise I had was due to the links.
FYI, my struts lasted well past the 100,000 Km mark. I did those last year at around 200,000.
As for rocking the front of the truck, I was able to hear the clunking noise by raising and dropping each side of the truck by lifting it at the wheel well, above the tire. It's heavy, but doable.
Keep us informed of your progress.
Cheers.
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
I just did some searching and found this video of the same noise I kinda have in a qx4 being bounced
http://s394.photobucket.com/albums/pp26 ... 000380.flv
It isnt THAT hard to bounce lol, that guy did it easy!!lol
Mine doesnt make the noise like the video does though, mine is wheel the front wheel drops off even a small little road cliff or pothole, as soon as the front wheels have to drop it CLUNKS, best way I can describe it
I'll do the bounce test and maybe take a vid because I dunno what is acceptable for front end bounce
My front shocks may very well need be replaced, I dont think therer oem as the rear are monroe but I havent replaced them myself or have any records, we will see
http://s394.photobucket.com/albums/pp26 ... 000380.flv
It isnt THAT hard to bounce lol, that guy did it easy!!lol
Mine doesnt make the noise like the video does though, mine is wheel the front wheel drops off even a small little road cliff or pothole, as soon as the front wheels have to drop it CLUNKS, best way I can describe it
I'll do the bounce test and maybe take a vid because I dunno what is acceptable for front end bounce
My front shocks may very well need be replaced, I dont think therer oem as the rear are monroe but I havent replaced them myself or have any records, we will see
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
But I do have brand new rear shocks 
Maybe thats why it only makes the noise in the front... I dunno
Maybe thats why it only makes the noise in the front... I dunno
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
Canuck how many klicks on that vehicle? Everything you describe leads to front shocks and since they are integrated into the front struts you will have to remove them and test them.
Again the steel rod that is supposed to be quelled or dampened in movement can not and any sudden compression or extension of that rod, the shock absorber cannot absorb it goes along for the ride. And that ride is high in torsional stresses that bring the attached rod in hard contact with the moving body.
If you have at least 60,000 Km on these struts and typical life is 100,000 - 130,000 then there usable life is done. Liks in suspension when worn or lose click more than bang. But again relying on your diagnoses from far away makes noise troubleshooting a hit and miss thing.
It is not too difficult to remove these struts, you need a place time and some tools.
Again the steel rod that is supposed to be quelled or dampened in movement can not and any sudden compression or extension of that rod, the shock absorber cannot absorb it goes along for the ride. And that ride is high in torsional stresses that bring the attached rod in hard contact with the moving body.
If you have at least 60,000 Km on these struts and typical life is 100,000 - 130,000 then there usable life is done. Liks in suspension when worn or lose click more than bang. But again relying on your diagnoses from far away makes noise troubleshooting a hit and miss thing.
It is not too difficult to remove these struts, you need a place time and some tools.
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Buzzman
- Posts: 2079
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:35 pm
- Car: 2016 Lexus RX 350
2023 Kia Stinger Elite V6 AWD.
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
CanuckQx4: Just watched your little 40 second video. That clunking noise is exactly what you'll get when your links are bad.
Mine sounded the same, although I didn't wait until it was that bad before replacing them.
Also, when my struts needed replacing, they didn't clunk. I was having trouble with front end vibration more than anything.
The new struts stabilized the ride.
One other thing to check is the play in the front wheel bearings.
Jack up one corner on the front to get the wheel off the ground, and then rock the wheel top to bottom and side to side to see how much play there is.
There should be almost none.
Maybe if you're lucky, it'll be something as simple as that.
Mine sounded the same, although I didn't wait until it was that bad before replacing them.
Also, when my struts needed replacing, they didn't clunk. I was having trouble with front end vibration more than anything.
The new struts stabilized the ride.
One other thing to check is the play in the front wheel bearings.
Jack up one corner on the front to get the wheel off the ground, and then rock the wheel top to bottom and side to side to see how much play there is.
There should be almost none.
Maybe if you're lucky, it'll be something as simple as that.
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
that video wasnt mine, was just cool to find someone rocking a qx4 making a front end noise lol
When I bounce mine like that it doesnt clunk at all, but it does seem to take a good deal longer to come back to "still" position after bouncing it compared to my rear which comes "still" almost instantly....
Play in the front wheel bearings?? I suppose I can jack each corner up and giver the ole kick and shake test lol
When I bounce mine like that it doesnt clunk at all, but it does seem to take a good deal longer to come back to "still" position after bouncing it compared to my rear which comes "still" almost instantly....
Play in the front wheel bearings?? I suppose I can jack each corner up and giver the ole kick and shake test lol
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Buzzman
- Posts: 2079
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:35 pm
- Car: 2016 Lexus RX 350
2023 Kia Stinger Elite V6 AWD.
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
Ok, that definitely sounds like a bad shock/strut. It should come back to the still position after one up/down cycle.CanuckQx4 wrote: When I bounce mine like that it doesnt clunk at all, but it does seem to take a good deal longer to come back to "still" position after bouncing it compared to my rear which comes "still" almost instantly....
Have to agree with ARKQX on that diagnosis.
If you go ahead with the struts, you might as well replace the links while you're at it (if they haven't been done for a while).
They should be less than $40.00 at the dealer. Money well spent.
Check the wheel bearings for play too. May as well get it all done.
Good luck.
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
Ok I found a good price on KYB shocks, what I dont get though, is the damn noise
Why would the shock be making that noise only when my wheels suddenly drop, just trying to understand
Im about to go jack up my car and see for wheel play, can you just repack the grease a bit more if there is a bit of play??
Why would the shock be making that noise only when my wheels suddenly drop, just trying to understand
Im about to go jack up my car and see for wheel play, can you just repack the grease a bit more if there is a bit of play??
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
Why would the shock be making that noise only when my wheels suddenly drop, just trying to understand
Like what with the shock being blown would hit something else to make that noise
Like what with the shock being blown would hit something else to make that noise
Re: Qx4 makes a large clunk, both front wheels
----------CanuckQx4 wrote:Why would the shock be making that noise only when my wheels suddenly drop, just trying to understand
Like what with the shock being blown would hit something else to make that noise
Because the piston in the shock itself has no resistance to movement and it reacts to a sudden drop or extension/compression and brings up the shock body to meet the rod end...bang
The top plate usually does not bang but when you turn the steering wheel lock to lock it may squawk squeal or make a rubbing sound. Another reminder to re-examine the struts.