Clunking noise

[Prandtl]

I have been hearing this clunking noise like something is loose coming from the right front of my truck. (1994 sonoma 4.3L 2WD Automatic w/OD). I only can hear it at speeds above about 35mph. It does not make the noise if I am stationary and revving the engine, only when driving. It is not severe but something is clunking around in the front end area somewhere. I've looked and cannot find anything that is obvioulsy loose and I am wondering if the noise could be the AC compressor because it does sound like its coming from that approximate location. My AC does not work also, because the compressor will not cycle. Do failing compressors ever make clunking type noises?

[jweyer]

I have the same situation with my 99 sonoma except my clunking comes on at slow mph I have tried mulitple things to fix it, including having a local shop look into, no one has fixed the probleme yet. It doenst seem to hurt anything, so I say leave it.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by Prandtl

I have been hearing this clunking noise like something is loose coming from the right front of my truck. (1994 sonoma 4.3L 2WD Automatic w/OD). I only can hear it at speeds above about 35mph. It does not make the noise if I am stationary and revving the engine, only when driving. It is not severe but something is clunking around in the front end area somewhere. I've looked and cannot find anything that is obvioulsy loose and I am wondering if the noise could be the AC compressor because it does sound like its coming from that approximate location. My AC does not work also, because the compressor will not cycle. Do failing compressors ever make clunking type noises?

Welcome to AF. Not quite running like a champ, look at all the bushings, upper control arm, sway bar, ball joints, shocks loose, especially the lower mounts, you will find it, takes some investigative work.

[Prandtl]

I agree, I am not quite running like a champ anymore (I edited my signature). Thanks for the suggestions, I will investigate and post when I find something.

[fflipper]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=302656

Try this link..... J

[rhandwor]

Put a floor jack under the right front. Pick up the wheel about 2 inchs put your hand on the top and bottom of the tire and check movement. Sit the truck down block back wheel put it in park. Have somebody move steering wheel watch the tie rod ends with a flash light. Look at shock bushings for wear. Check for uneven tire wear if uneven get a wheel alignment. Get some thing like a piece of 4 x 4 and put it close to tire after it is jacked up about 3 inchs as you rotate tire look for an out of round tire. Then place 4 x 4 by side of tire look for a bent rim. Then get a big crowbar and use the 4 x 4 and have somebody try to pick up the tire. Watch the ball joint with a flashlight. Push on side of shock and see if it makes a noise. You have to use judgment on any parts to replace.

[jdmccright]

Could be worn upper and/or lower ball joints or a worn idler arm. The A/C compressor is mounted on the driver side of the engine, so not where you describe...plus the clunking would go away if the A/C were turned off or set to Vent. The lower joints have wear indicators, if you can see the hex end of the grease fitting then they are not worn, if not then replace. Of course, if you have high mileage on the truck, then it's a cheap fix (though not easy the first time, since you have to drill out rivets) to tack on to whatever else your gonna replace. Good luck!

[rhandwor]

If you plan on replacing ball joints I found it is a lot easier to use a small angle grinder. Grind the head of the rivet off next to the ball joint. Then use a punch and drive out the rivet. You can grind off 3 heads faster than drilling one out.

[jdmccright]

Oh yeah, for sure grinding is easier if you've got the tool and the nice air compressor to run it...alas I didn't when I had to. Either way gets the job done!

[rhandwor]

I use an electrical grinder I've seen then new at the flea market for $20.00 but Lowe's or Home Depot sell a better quality. Their real handy around the house for other jobs. I also use it for getting something ready to weld.

[jdmccright]

Once again I miss the blatantly obvious...I'll have to pick one up. Good tip!

[kcm]

The Husband and I own a 2000 Sonoma. We've had the same "clunking" noise on and off for the last 2 years. Here's what's been done:
Purchased 2/04 w/35,801 miles

The first thing we replaced was shocks front and back purchased from Sears with lifetime warranties.

@ 49,499 took it in for "clunking from front, worse on passenger side when turning or on rough roads." Right front ball joint has exessive play, 1/4 inch, replaced. They replaced the right front ball joint.

@ 55,784 took in for "customer states has a popping noise from front end." Found both lower ball joints have excessive play. Verified by manager. Replaced both lower ball joints. One as a part warranty. Sublet for front end alignment.

@ 65,644 took in for "customer states over stutter bumps front end knocks like ball joints. Measured out ball joints and inspected front suspension. Replaced ball joints, upper and lower, replaced idler arm sublet for front end alignment.

On this last one my truck was in the shop for a full week. We picked it up on 10/31 and by Thursday the "clunk" was back. I took it back to the dealer and took them for a ride to "hear" the clunk it was pretty obvious... They put a bit of foam inbetween the computer box thinking this was bouncing and making a noise.

I went to Sears today 11/8 and had them check the shocks to make sure they're OK.... They're fine.

I know long drawn out but, we still have the clunk, can't figure out what it is, it's not internal, husband took the glove box off and check the vent to make sure the clunk wasn't from there... We're out of ideas.

Your help is appreciated. Thanks! Kim and Craig Mann

[rhandwor]

If you do any of your own work jack up each front wheel put your hand on the top and bottom of wheel. Move the wheel pushing in and out top and bottom. A loose wheel bearing can cause this. If ball joints have been replaced the rivets are removed and the new ones have bolts. Sometimes the bottom ones have to be pressed in. If only the bottom ball joints have been replaced the top ones normally go first. Block the rear wheels put in park and use a flashlight and watch for excessive movement in the tie rod ends.
If your dealer can't fix the problem go to an alignment shop like NTW and have your front end checked out. Always ask for all used parts replaced. Any decent shop will test drive a vehicle before sending it out. A customer will bitch about the price but is a lot madder if the problem isn't fixed.
I used to have a shop and would refund the money if the mechanic can't fix the problem.

[kcm]

Thanks for the advice Rhandwor.

We noticed that the truck doesn't "clunk" until it's warmed up, driven for about 10 minutes or so a little longer now that it's starting to get cold, that's why we though maybe the shock. The mechanic at Sears thought it was the front bumper making the noise, we checked but that wasn't it.

The trucks definetly going back into the shop. I just don't want to have it in there again for another week, quite so soon. We're attempting to disect the problem ourselves then give the shop something to look for... All the works that's been done has been under the extended warranty that we bought, which is very good. We've been pretty lucky, we've never had problems with a vehicle like this before and I don't think we would have kept it if we'd had to put our own cash into it like this.

Thanks again for your help! kcm

[rhandwor]

I would push the dealer hard for a loaner vehicle because of past problems and delays.