Front End Metallic Clunking
amesjm0431
06-17-2009, 02:45 PM
I have a 2001 Grand Prix GTP with approx 140000 miles on it. At about 115000 miles, a noise started in the front end where when I hit a small bump, there would be a slight metallic ping or almost a squeak. The noise started to get worse as time went on. It eventually got to the point that when I would pull in my driveway (there is a slight curbing at the end) it would create a sound that was almost like a grinding metal on metal sound. Here is what I have done so far to try and remediate the problem:
Replaced Struts, Stru Mounts and Springs on all four wheels
Replaced Brake Pads and Rotors on all four wheels
Replaced 2 front wheel bearing assemblies
Even after all this, the noise is still there and is getting consistently worse. The place where I got my struts and springs replaced said that they couldn't find anything out of place or broken in the front end.
The interesting thing is that if I am driving on a rough road and it is making the noise, when I start to brake, the noise subsides almost to the point that it is completely gone.
I read a couple of forums and found something that said to take a rubber mallet and strike each of the tires to see if I could recreate any noise. I tapped the back tires and there was no noise. I tapped the passenger side front and there was very minimal noise. When I tapped on the driver side front there was a pinging sound like something is loose and moving around. I couldn't pinpoint the sound and I couldn't remove the wheel at that time to see if anything was moving. I attempted to move the brake caliper and noticed some small movement but the bolts that hold it on are tight. I checked the other 3 wheels and there is no movement in the caliper. The steering is very tight and responsive and there is no degradation in the braking that I can tell.
Any help anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.
Replaced Struts, Stru Mounts and Springs on all four wheels
Replaced Brake Pads and Rotors on all four wheels
Replaced 2 front wheel bearing assemblies
Even after all this, the noise is still there and is getting consistently worse. The place where I got my struts and springs replaced said that they couldn't find anything out of place or broken in the front end.
The interesting thing is that if I am driving on a rough road and it is making the noise, when I start to brake, the noise subsides almost to the point that it is completely gone.
I read a couple of forums and found something that said to take a rubber mallet and strike each of the tires to see if I could recreate any noise. I tapped the back tires and there was no noise. I tapped the passenger side front and there was very minimal noise. When I tapped on the driver side front there was a pinging sound like something is loose and moving around. I couldn't pinpoint the sound and I couldn't remove the wheel at that time to see if anything was moving. I attempted to move the brake caliper and noticed some small movement but the bolts that hold it on are tight. I checked the other 3 wheels and there is no movement in the caliper. The steering is very tight and responsive and there is no degradation in the braking that I can tell.
Any help anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.
HeMi101
06-17-2009, 09:41 PM
Check the front Bushings on the control arms.
tblake
06-17-2009, 10:17 PM
X2, lower controll arm busings, defenatly!
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