Front end suspension clunking noise (possible issues?)

NeoRashi · May 21, 2023

Hi everyone, started hearing some noise on the front end when going over bumps, pot holes, cracks, etc. Sounds very clunky and happens from low speeds to high. Lifted the front end to check what was going on and found a couple of things. Would like some insight of what the noise could be.

CV Axle Boot (Passenger Side):

LCA Bushing (Driver Side, closest to the front):

- I also have a video linked here of me prying the LCA to check the bushing (not a good noise?)

I did do the same test for the LCA bushing on the passenger side but it was more squeaky and less knock (and took more force to pry) so I assumed it was good. The CV axle boot concerns me a little as I notice some slight tearing but the axle seemed fine. Would replacing just the boot be okay? Would hate to buy a new axle unless I really had to. Would also mention that ball joints were replaced in the winter and sway bar bushings were done a month ago.

te1966 · May 21, 2023

Looks and sounds like you have indeed found a problem with the LCA bushing on the video.

Check your stabilizer end links while your under the car too; another typical problem area.

easy129 · Apr 24, 2024

Also the sway bar bushings

AWD · May 21, 2023

Front control arm.

seagiant · May 21, 2023

Hi,
Worse than mine, but mines on the way out.

Gonna get what I can get out of it, then change both sides at the same time.

If you took yours in, as it is now, to align the front end ,a good shop would tell you to fix it first!

MOOG makes a complete arm and used them on Wifey's ''E" because of time restraints...

They worked fine but admittedly years ago now!

I have a press, so will press in new one's, when I do mine.

shaneopie · May 25, 2023

The lower control arms fixed my front end clunking noise. I used the moog ones. Mine were worse than yours.

Found My Front End Clunking Noise And Fixed It

Start of by saying this is on a 2004 EX front wheel drive AT trans element. Replaced my sway bar links and attach bushings a few months back and it did not resolve the issue. Started looking a little closer and found the lower control arm from attach bushings shot. Replaced them and she is back...

www.elementownersclub.com

Elemental Guy · May 26, 2023

My LCA bushings look and sound like yours. What's the cost to replace them?

NeoRashi · Jun 13, 2023

Instead of pressing the old bushings out, I just got aftermarket lower control arms from rock auto. Costed about $70 each plus $30-40 for shipping ($CAD cause I live in Canada).

complexrascal · May 29, 2023

The control arm looks like it could use a replacement. Also just to be sure, check the top strut mounts. When those mounts break they can clank around causing a lot of noise.

NeoRashi · Jun 13, 2023

Sorry everyone for the late update. Thank you all for your responses. I ended up doing the LCA replacement a week ago (including my sway bar links) and my noises have gone away. Seeing your comments give me affirmation that I did the right thing! Thanks for the support and have safe driving with your E.

Thank you for mentioning the strut mounts. It's something I forgot to check and definitely something to keep in mind for the future as they do seem to start showing age.

Front end suspension clunking noise (possible issues?)

Found My Front End Clunking Noise And Fixed It

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