Front end noise
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 8
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From: California
Front end noise
Please help! I have a 2009 IS250 and I have the most irritating front end clanking noise when rolling over small bumps in the road. I’ve changed my struts, lower bushings, and strut links on my front end but it hasn’t solved the problem with the noise. In fact, the noise is getting worse and I don’t know what to do. My mechanic or no one seems to know what the problem is. Can anyone please help me out or has anyone had this issue before?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 8
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From: California
I really appreciate your replies! I haven’t tried the sway bar bushings or the control arm but I’m taking it to my machanic today to see if those two things could be the problem. Thanks for the recommendations!
Our cars do not have struts or strut links. Please use the above diagram to tell use what was replaced.
Most often metal on metal noises can be duplicated with the vehicle on rack, wheels baring its weight, brake applied and steer it back and forth while a person inspects the suspension. If your mechanic can not do this simple task, find someone who can.
If they replaced at your expense the coil over shocks and did not isolate the noise, they owe you this much!
Another option while on the rack is to simply bounce the car while another performs the inspection below. Have you witnessed either of these?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 8
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From: California
Thanks for the diagram. According to the diagram I replaced the front shock absorber with coil spring, front stabilizer link assembly, and lower number 2 arm bracket assembly.
As as far as what you described for the mechanic to do to access where the noise is coming from....I have not witnessed that being done.
As as far as what you described for the mechanic to do to access where the noise is coming from....I have not witnessed that being done.
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had the same problem with my old IS300, could never isolate the problem before selling it.
I too suspected the swaybar endlinks but replaced them and the problem continued. I even replaced the entire lower control arm (different than 2IS) and problem remained.
I suspect it's the sway bar bushings or tie rods.
I too suspected the swaybar endlinks but replaced them and the problem continued. I even replaced the entire lower control arm (different than 2IS) and problem remained.
I suspect it's the sway bar bushings or tie rods.
It is easy enough to remove the sway bar mounts from the equation; disconnect ONE side at the lower control arm and zip tie the link to the bar. Go run through some pot holes and see if the noise is still there.
Warning car will plow into the corners. Do not hit corners at speed!!!
Check the lower ball joint!
Jack lower control arm out close to the wheel so the tire is off the ground. Place a prybar between the ground and the tire lifting and rotating. The lower ball joint is weight bearing and will have some end play. This is normal. It is not normal to move sideways.
Grab the top and bottom of the tire 12 and 6pm. Rock in and out. There should be zero play from the top ball joint on the upper A arm.
If I were a betting person, I'd go with sway bar mounting bushings but you might also pry on the rack & pinion and confirm it is not moving.
Warning car will plow into the corners. Do not hit corners at speed!!!
Check the lower ball joint!
Jack lower control arm out close to the wheel so the tire is off the ground. Place a prybar between the ground and the tire lifting and rotating. The lower ball joint is weight bearing and will have some end play. This is normal. It is not normal to move sideways.
Grab the top and bottom of the tire 12 and 6pm. Rock in and out. There should be zero play from the top ball joint on the upper A arm.
If I were a betting person, I'd go with sway bar mounting bushings but you might also pry on the rack & pinion and confirm it is not moving.
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Joined: Mar 2016
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From: NY
I had some horrible clanging noises going over bumps and checked everything like you. Turned out to be the front break pads rattling around going over bumps. I changed the clips that hold the pads in place and noise was gone. Depending on your rims you can use a flat head screwdriver on the pad edges and see if the pads flop around. Just another thing to check.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 8
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From: California
Looks like after my mechanic took a rubber mallet and went crazy underneath the car, it turned out to be the bushings on the control arm. Whewww.... this forum is the greatest! I just want to thank everyone who replied to try and help me out. I really appreciate at.
Vehicles having struts have no upper control arm as the Top of the strut when coupled to the spindle controls the location of the spindle and subsequent wheel positioning.
Our coil over spring with its damper inside supports the vehicle load and controls damping. It does nothing to locate the wheels position. That is the job of the control arms and spindle.
Our coil over spring with its damper inside supports the vehicle load and controls damping. It does nothing to locate the wheels position. That is the job of the control arms and spindle.
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