Front compliance bushings also known as control arms. When they go bad they make a popping sound.
clunking/popping sound from passenger side front end
help :'(
I spent so much $ on trying to find out what the problem is with our beloved toaster, but failed to diagnose the issue.
Recently an auto mechanic shop replaced the struts. Soon after ( about 1-2 weeks) I started hearing a clunking popping sound coming from the driver side front end when I go over pot holes, bumps, OR I make sharp left turns fast. Turns have to be sharp and "fast"; sharp and "slow" turns don't create the clunking sound. I don't think it is the CV joint. I heard CV joint making knocking sound before. This almost sounds like spring popping in/out OR something else pops in and out and it affects the struts.
When I go over even bigger pot holes with driver side front end, somehow it affects the passenger side too I guess because I hear the same popping clunking sound but a bit faint - not as loud if I were to go over it with the passenger side.
Any ideas?
Thank you for your suggestions!!!
I spent so much $ on trying to find out what the problem is with our beloved toaster, but failed to diagnose the issue.
Recently an auto mechanic shop replaced the struts. Soon after ( about 1-2 weeks) I started hearing a clunking popping sound coming from the driver side front end when I go over pot holes, bumps, OR I make sharp left turns fast. Turns have to be sharp and "fast"; sharp and "slow" turns don't create the clunking sound. I don't think it is the CV joint. I heard CV joint making knocking sound before. This almost sounds like spring popping in/out OR something else pops in and out and it affects the struts.
When I go over even bigger pot holes with driver side front end, somehow it affects the passenger side too I guess because I hear the same popping clunking sound but a bit faint - not as loud if I were to go over it with the passenger side.
Any ideas?
Thank you for your suggestions!!!
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
I had something very similar on mine. Ended up being lower ball joints. I decided to replace my control arms with new ball joints too.
adambenjamin1988, was the sound periodic when you make fast turns? Like clunk clunk clunk ? It doesn't make the same noise if I were to make slow turns. Something obviously popping in/out of somewhereI had something very similar on mine. Ended up being lower ball joints. I decided to replace my control arms with new ball joints too.
I spent a fair amount of time and energy chasing clunks after installing new OEM struts/springs and control arms, and it could be any number of things. I changed outer tie rod ends, sway bar links and bushings, and ball joints. Turns out it was the ball joints on mine. You could get a pry bar and start applying pressure at the pivot points to see if there's any play. Like where the compliance bushing in the control arm connects to the frame, or where the ball joint connects at the control arm/steering knuckle. You could also try lifting that side up a little to take the weight off the wheel, and grab ahold of the wheel on the sides and try to wiggle it to see if there's play. If there is, it's likely one of those outer connections. Good luck.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Honda Element Owners Club
Element Owners Club is your go to forum community to discuss your Honda Element, and get ideas from your next great trip to your next Honda Element Mod.
Full Forum Listing
