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clunks[200/1984] posted by Thomas Graham on
Monday, 28 December 1998, at 10:46 a.m.
I'm getting 2 different clunks from my 84 240 wagon. When I back up with the wheel turned sharply I often get a front end clunk. The steering rack, tie rod ends and ball joints are all new. Where else would this clunk come from? I also get a clunk (it feels like something slips or shifts) from the rear when I take up first gear on a steep incline. It seems to me that I occasionally get the same clunk when braking. The rear control arm bushings (the big ones that require a special tool to replace) have recently been replaced and the other bushings and mounts were reported to be in good condition. Could this be due to worn u-joints? What else might cause it? Thanks, Tom
Re: clunks[200/1984] posted by Gary Becker on
Monday, 28 December 1998, at 10:56 a.m.
Tom: First thing that I would do is take your car back to the shop that did the repairs. Make sure that they tightened everything to specs. Most of the stress on the front end is when the wheels are turned most sharply. It sounds like the steering rack may be a little loose. Once you're sure that everything is tight9 front and rear), rediagnose the probem.
Re: clunks[200/1984] posted by Don Foster on
Monday, 28 December 1998, at 11:57 a.m.
Tom --
Gary's advice is good. For the front clunk, check the large bracket with the rear lower A-frame bushing in it. Several Bricksters have reported these loosening a bit, causing "clunks". Three big bolts -- sock 'em down. Don't even have to jack up the car.
A bad U-joint can make a clunk, 'though there's usually some vibration associated with a failing U-joint. Also a loose shock can make a lot of clunking, but generally associated with potholes.
The large bushings you mentioned in the rear are probably the trailing arm bushings -- they require a special press and mandrel set to R&R. As Gary said, double check with your shop to be certain it was these they replaced and not some other bushings. Worn TA bushings can make a racket and the rear end will feel loose.
--Monday, 28 December 1998, at 12:29 p.m.
I had a real annoying front end clunk in my 85 244 (140 K) that only occurred when slowly backing out of the driveway or tight turning (forward or backward)as in parking. Everything in the front pretty much was new. Turned out to be the upper strut mount bearings. It sounded almost like a spring unloading a stress. Sort of a "sproing" clunk. Come to think of it, it probably was the spring jamming, then breaking free of the restriction from the bearing.If you decide to do the bearings they are expensive and you might as well put in some nice struts if you need them at all.