Clunking noise when turning

[KanuDave]

I have a 98 Rodeo with 75k miles. Over the past couple of months I have heard a clunk or multiple clunks the first time I make a sharp turn in one direction (like pulling into a driveway). If I immediately turn the same way again, no clunk. If I turn the opposite direction another set of clunks. I had a tire place look for loose front end suspension/ steering parts but they found nothing but the clunk persists. It is not a constant noise and it can be felt in the floorboard. It sounds like something is shifting around in the suspension but I can't see what it could be. Anybody have any ideas?

[amigo-2k]

The sway bar is bumping up against the front shock (passenger side).

Nothing to worry about. The fix is to push it back to the drivers side.


http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showfl...ev=#Post663054

[greg4shc]

Are C-clips easy to find and if it's not that, will I need to replace the front shafts? I am getting the same clunking noises and thought my shocks were just worn out. Replaced them, but hasnt worked. Can I just push the sway bar with my hands or does this require some sort of tool?

Also, I have a bad neutral safety switch I think. My lights still work, but I cant shift out of park without starting in neutral. Part is $144 but wanted to check with you guys about doing it myself and other suggestions on switch issues.

Thanks

Greg -- 99 Rodeo
Mobile, ALA

[KanuDave]

I looked at the sway bar, I think my manual is calling it the stabilizer bar. With a big screwdriver I could move it back and forth but it was pretty much centered when I started. I did take it down from the bushings and cleaned it up thinking it was just the movement in the bushings making the noise but I still hear it once I put it back up. I can actually feel it in the floorboard also and it feels like it is coming from both sides about the same. On my vehicle it only happens when I turn sharply and I get three or four rapid clunks but as I continue to turn I get not more. If I turn the same direction again I also don't hear anything but as soon as I turn back the other direction I will get the same three or four clunks. I thought the c-clip possibility was for first gen Rodeo's not 98-??. But if that is a possibility I can certainly take a look at those.

Thanks,

Dave (98 Rodeo)

[greg4shc]

I am getting the same thing but my 99 is a 2wd. I am just hoping this isnt something that if I keep driving is tearing something else up. Does the car have CV joints? Why would this be making the sound on both sides and then stopping? I am getting the same thing.

Any thoughts on shift relay? I have been told its the interlock relay, interlock switch or the brake switch. My lights work when I press the pedal, but I have to wiggle the shifter to get the solenoid to click and come out of park.

[amigo-2k]

The only other thing I can think of is a busted body mount. This happened to an Amigo own (2001) A few years ago.

greg4shc,

If you search hear there are a couple of post on the shifter relay fix.

[greg4shc]

did it make the same type noises when it was the body mount? Where should I look under the car?

By the way, the gas sending unit info has been very helpful. I have been driving a year with a blinking light and E on the gauge and will try to replace this when I can.

[dels2000]

My 2000 4wd is doing the same thing, almost the same miles also. I have found that it is my wheel bearings on the drivers side. Tire shop should have found that for you. You might take it back and have them check your wheel bearings for slop. Or just have them repacked..

[steveb_92rodeo]

This is probably not relevant, but I thought I'd through it out there anyway.

Sometimes my rear leaf springs will shift a little bit and make a loud clunk, but only when turning while going over a small bump. I can feel it a little in the floor board as well.

Like I said, don't know if it makes sense in your case, but thought I'd try anyway.

Steve

[KanuDave]

It looks like my problem was a loose body mount next to the passenger side door front wheel well. I noticed I could move it around by hand but none of the other ones were like that. I had to spray some penetrating oil on it but once I got it tightened back up no more creaking noises. Thanks for all who responded and to Amigo-2k for suggesting a body mount.