2001 Front strut or ball joint issue? Clanking when going over road Bumps

[herenow]

I've been searching the threads, and can't seem to locate the same/similar issue.

When i go over bumps or small pot hoes on the road, the front end makes a very loud clanking sound. It's sounds like metal hitting metal.

I replaced both left& right motor mounts, this helped lightly, but only ended the vibration issue in cabin, (mounts were replaced a year ago) but when I go over bumps, the clanking noise still exist.

I'm not sure if the issue is the structs, or the ball joints.
How do I know or test / if it's the struts, ball joints, or perhaps something else related to the front suspension?

Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appericated!

[Sponsor]

[SkyPilot]

it would help to know how many miles are on your car, and if anything suspension wise has been replaced in the past.

Sway bar end links are also a possible source of the noise your hearing, easy to check and cheap to replace.

[herenow]

The Car has 150K. I've owned it since it had 100K. I'm not sure if any of the suspension has been changed.

The car doesn't "bounce" when rollingover bumps, it simply makes a lot of noise/clatter from bumps.

I was told, perhaps the strut "mount/bumper rubber" could be worn out, causing a portion of the metal sounding clatter-banging.

Do you happen to have any other suggestions, or detail instructions on what I can review for worn out parts?

!thank you!

[my_beautious_ZX3]

using process of elimination, the easiest & cheapest parts to diagnose/replace first are the endlinks. Remove them and then drive on a road that makes your car clank; if that eliminates the clanking noise, then you got off lucky and just need to replace them.

If the noise remains, then the next thing to diagnose are the ball joints. Search the forum and you'll find tips on how to use your ears (telltale sounds) and eyes (prying up on tire) to check for wear.

If the ball joints seem okay and your struts were never replaced, then that's the likely culprit. Sometimes they show signs of wear and sometimes they don't. Monroe QuickStruts are probably your easiest & cheapest option if you're happy with an OEM ride. You'll also replace endlinks at that time.

[herenow]

Thank you, That was insightful and helpful!!!
I will start with the endlinks and update here by the end of the week.

[zpellicone]

Yeah, those endlinks are popular culprit of front end clanking. Just ike sky pilot and my beautious zx3 said, start with those. Very cheap and easy to do.

[thenorm]

check the strut top nut. backed off a few threads will clank over any quick wheel movment

[herenow]

The issue was the struts, they were shot. all other parts, were fine. There is still a clicking noise when i go over a bump, even on 1st gear.

I replaced the tow top motor mounts a few months ago. The Right passanger motor mount is from Nappa, and after a few months, it went out. This is the clicking noise that's coming from the right passanger side.

[whynotthinkwhynot]

That clicking sound is the end links. Crank the steering all the way to the opposite side, then go to the wheel and grab the end link. If you can turn it easily or it's floppy, then that's your problem. The end link should rotate slightly, as it is 2 ball joints, but it should take a lot of effort.

Bad lower control arm ball joints- the dangerous one- make a very distinct sound. A bad lower control arm ball joint will make a single thunk just after stopping the vehicle, and a single thunk just after starting movement. This is when the ball joint pops up out of it's cup.

Like I said, it makes a distinct sound- it is a single thunk just after stopping, and just after starting movement.