Greetings,
I could use some help diagnosing an issue.
My '03 makes a terrible clunking noise when going over a significant bump...like a pothole or some other bumpy road that is uneven. The clunk seems to be most significant when the van rocks slightly side to side. It doesn't matter the speed at which the bump is taken. On a fairly even, bumpy gravel road there is no noise.
Took it to a mechanic who diagnosed a rack & pinion issue (steering column makes a clunking sound when turned while on the rack) and a ball joint replacement.
Did some research here and found (thanks Dr. A!) a tech advisory regarding the amount and type of appropriate play. So helpful! I read the relevant portions to my mechanic.
He checked the stabilizer bar, shock-absorber struts, springs and their attachments. All good. He says there is less than 3 mil lateral (side to side) play, but at least 6 mil vertical (up & down) movement, which is what concerned him. The boot looks fine.
It seems, from what I've read, that the vertical movement is irrelevant, but if that's the case why the clunking noise only when compression seems to be lifted for a moment?
Could it all be coming from the steering rack??
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks!
I could use some help diagnosing an issue.
My '03 makes a terrible clunking noise when going over a significant bump...like a pothole or some other bumpy road that is uneven. The clunk seems to be most significant when the van rocks slightly side to side. It doesn't matter the speed at which the bump is taken. On a fairly even, bumpy gravel road there is no noise.
Took it to a mechanic who diagnosed a rack & pinion issue (steering column makes a clunking sound when turned while on the rack) and a ball joint replacement.
Did some research here and found (thanks Dr. A!) a tech advisory regarding the amount and type of appropriate play. So helpful! I read the relevant portions to my mechanic.
He checked the stabilizer bar, shock-absorber struts, springs and their attachments. All good. He says there is less than 3 mil lateral (side to side) play, but at least 6 mil vertical (up & down) movement, which is what concerned him. The boot looks fine.
It seems, from what I've read, that the vertical movement is irrelevant, but if that's the case why the clunking noise only when compression seems to be lifted for a moment?
Could it all be coming from the steering rack??
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks!