Front end & steering going over bumps clunks question!!

[2008SPorsche]

When driving & going over bumps steering rack seems to have a separation where it clunks. Tie Rods? Maybe I need bump steer kit?

HELP

[jonnyw]

well the bumper steer kit won't help the clunk, that just helps adjust steering rack geometry and prevents the steering wheel from moving/jerking when your going over bumps.

Why do you feel the clunk is in the steering? A little more information would help.

Also year and make and the last time anything was ever done the the suspension, new bushings? New struts? .

You have to understand that alot of these cars need are old, and every rubber component on the suspension is usually very worn. Clunks can come from a wide variety of problems.

Start fresh -

Raise the front of your car and inspect tie rod play.
Inspect wheel bearing play inspect your torsion bar/a-arm bushings visually look for deterioration.
Is you have sway bars check the drop link bushings, and the sway bar bushings.

Any of those can cause a clunk going over bumps, before you start replacing items you should really spend a little time inspecting. Sadly suspension seems to be a very commonly overlooked maintenance item.

I picked up a 912 that I was told had the suspension all re-worked. Sure they installed new tie rods and new struts but that was it, the front a-arm bushings where deteriorated . There were no sway bar drop link bushings and on and on. The car surprisingly drove fairly nice but it had some horrible clunking noises.

spending some time inspecting is the best thing you can do. Then let us know what you find, even take some pictures of some of the areas I listed above and we will be able to help you much more.

JW

[2008SPorsche]

thanks great info!

[Bobs 67S]

Lets start with the easy stuff:

1) Look in the trunk - is the tire iron bumping around? Is the jack floating around or perched where it can bounce around?

2) Put your knee against the top of each front wheel and push in: does it move in? is there play in the front wheel bearing? With the front of the car jacked into the air - move the front wheel in and out with your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock - rock the wheel for bearing play/movement.

3) tighten the 3 bolts (each side) holding the sway bar bushing where it passes thru the body.

4) Verify the gland nut is tight holding the shock into the front strut. You have to drop the top of the front strut and remove the outside sleeve to gain access to the gland nut. If it is loose it can knock like a hammer when the strut/tire is wobbled back on forth.

John gave you a good check list for the steering and suspension, look at everything in there.