[aaronmafera]

i have a strange suspension related noise in the front end of the car..... has anyone else experienced this?

 

[Jake]

I have not but I don't have a lot of time in the car. If I go over a stiff bump I hear it but it's road noise. What does it sound like. If your stopped with the car off and push up and down on the front bumper can you still hear it? Best of luck, Jake

 

[aaronmafera]

struts have already been replaced in the vehicle....... noise lessened in frequency but persists....... "popping" sound coming from the top of the passenger side strut tower......... noone else has had this?

 

[Aykew]

Sorry... she's clean as a whistle over bumps.

 

[lon777]

Since most of the country is deep in winter, i can only suspect that the cause of the front end noise would be due to the rubber bits getting firmer and the shock oil thicker. It should go away when the weather turns warmer and the noise probably won't return.

 

[SANTA]

My Element has a strange metallic sound every time I let off the gas or hit the breaks? It seems to come from just under the engine and it only does it when the weather is cold. ( Connecticut) Has any one experieced this?

 

[aaronmafera]

that is exactly what i am talking about....... kinda :wink:
but i am trying to see how many people out there are experiencing this santa......... have you brought yours to a dealership yet?

 

[keymonkey]

Have either of you guys ever owned an AWD/4WD vehicle before? What you are describing sounds like play in the U-joints. With AWD and 4WD cars there are a bunch of Universal Joints that allow the drivetrain to flex with the suspension. The noise you are describing, and the conditions, sounds like these joints shifting stress. Acceleration will put stress on the joints in one direction, and in the other when decelerating. During the transition the joint can make a *clunk* noise. It is very common, and nothing to worry about. However, there is a point when the joint bearings begin to wear, and you will experience lerching, and shudder, but with regular check-ups your mechanic will be ontop of the wear. BTW-Temperature does affect bearing lubricant, and cold weather will stiffen the joint. This will cause the *clunk" when driving over bumps as the joint flexes. I would take the truck in to the dealer, describe the issue, and have them check the joints. One also might not be tightened properly. This is a brand new car after all, and the manufacturing process still has some kinks. Otherwise, I would give it some time. Once the joints settle, the noise could subside a bit.

 

[SANTA]

Well, I did visit my local dealer and it turned out to be a clearance pronblem between the lower A-arm and the frame. According to the dealer the rubber bushing between both parts is supposed to prevent any metal to metal contact, but not in my case. When you stop or accelerate the a-arm slides back and forth making contact with the frame. The problem has been corrected by re adjusting the clearance between both parts. This may eventually turn out to be a recall, since there is little no room for adjutment according to the dealer. I have driven the Element for about 50 miles since and so far so good... Santa

 

[Hank]

I Have had a clicking sound in the front-end from the get-go every time I start to drive the car after it has sat for a while. I think it's the brakes or the suspension :?: I took it to the dealer and they said that the passport and van make the same noise when they are just starting to drive after sitting. They assured me that it wasn't REALLY a problem. But since it sounds like metal against metal, I'm not sure I believe that! We'llsee!

 

[wr70beh]

I did a search for this topic because I'm starting to get this problem in my vehicle. It only does it at slow speeds when you're stopping in a parking lot or backing up. It's like a clunk-clunk sound. Definitely suspension or brakes. It's doing ok now I will have it addressed at 7500 mile service, along with the 2 broken fins in my air vents. Other than those problems nothing wrong so far!

 

[dougola]

I've noticed that there is a "clunk" in the front-end whenever I first take-off after backing out of my driverway. It's like the front-end is loading some tension when I back-up and then it's released when I start to move forward, CLUNK.
Only time I get it is the first start after backing the E.I'm gonna try it going from forward to reverse today and see what happens.

 

[foxtail]

I think I've heard the same thing in the same circumstances, Dougola.

 

[NINO T]

Any update on the front end noise?

-I notice the sound @ low speed when the vehicle
starts to slow down.

-sounds like going over an expansion gap on the highway.

-I dont know if the wheel and tire upgrade is causing this (245-55-18)

 

[Esque]

Have you checked the body panels on the front. we had noise and it turned out to be the painted part right above the right plastic body panel. we snaped it back on and no more noise.

 

[Brookes]

I have the same kind of clunk going on with mine. Usually when I'm backing up and turning the wheel sharply. It also makes the noise again when I hit the brake for the first time after starting. I took it to the dealer today and the tech thought it was the brake calliper. I have an appt. to drop it off on Friday. We'll see what they come up with?

 

[Bmenk]

I can get this noise to happen at will. Each time you reverse direction, the first time you apply the brakes you'll hear a metallic click. You only need to be rolling slowly to test this out. Just try it in forward and then reverse.

My best guess is a ill fitting brake pad that "scoots" along until it hits a metallic stop. Each time you reverse direction it will slide in the other direction when you apply the brakes.

I haven't brought it in to the dealer yet, but I feel that it has to be some sort of sliding of the brake pads.

Can anybody else recreate this noise at will ?????

Bill

 

[mcescher]

I have the same problem. I do not notice it often but have heard it when backing out and starting to drive at slow speeds sometimes. Any info on whether this problem is covered under warranty and whether it is common enough for a service tech. to know what I'm talking? Or will they think I'm crazy? :shock:

 

[Brookes]

Most likely they won't know what your talking about. I had mine serviced under warranty and they also thought it was the brake caliper sliding. They said it was fixed and the first time I backed it out the noise/clunk was still there. I think it's something bigger than the brakes. When I'm backing up and turning the wheel sharply it's much louder. I will be returning mine to be fixed properly. Hopefully we can get this figured out, it's annoying.

 

[burnt-O]

I get a "clunk" when I start to back up while parked on an incline.