Lately, I've been getting these constant clicking/popping noises from what I believe is my front suspension. It happens whenever I go up onto a drive way, or pulling out of one.

I was a bit worried it was my lower or upper balljoints, so I jacked up the left front of the car to check it out. And as I was jacking it up, I hear it again *CLICK* and another CLICK as I get the tire near off the ground. I grab the tire, and try to move it a bit to see if there was any play. I don't notice anything. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.

What do you guys think the problem is? Could it be the UCA bushings? Strut rod bushings? I think my strut rod bushings are worn because of the noise I get sometimes when I brake.. I just hope it's anything but the UCA balljoints.

 

take the wheel off THEN try to jiggle the components

sounds like either upper/lower balljoints, or CA bushings.

 

I've had the same clicking/popping noise from the front but only when I brake and when the car is cold. The first couple of stops I come to I always hear it but after that it's fine.

What do you guys think this might be?

 

I had popping noises from the front and it turned our to be the bolts on the caliper were not torques properly. The bolts that connect the caliper to the suspension that is. Easy to check if you have a torque wrench. Unless the pad tensioner is gone or broken.....?

 

I'll look into that, I was thinking it might be caliper related since it only happens when the brakes are cold.

 

I didn't think ball joints would give out so easily at 90k miles.

 

Yes - 90k seems low unless the use was extreme? My lower ball joints lasted until 165k miles. I guess an easy way to determine if lower ball joints are going is inner tire wear since it cost me two new tires.

 

I only have 71k on my car and the front suspension is already starting to show signs of wear.

I have a slight vibration from about 60-75 mph and the steering wheel jolts when I hit a pothole or ridge in the road.

Oh well, needs a drop anyway.

 

sounds like you need more of an alignment and tire balance than suspension components

 

could anyone reccomend a replacement for the air suspension system to me i found one for 950 on lextreme that is by strutmasters and lowers it 1.5" but anyone else have any ideas or thoughts on this?

 

nope thats ur best bet.

 

ok cool thanks

 

Nah, part of the problem has to be suspension related. I don't see how an alingment and tire balance would make a pothole or bump any smoother. I liken it to a knocking sound when I hit these imperfections in the road. Maybe my struts are bad?

The car tracks straight and true down the road so IDK.

 

vibration can basically ONLY be wheel balance

a jolt/tramlining is normally an alignment issue.

 

Hmm.. don't think it's my struts, they're brand new. As of even tire wear, I've been getting perfect wear until I lowered the car which changed the toe and camber..so I don't think it's the lower ball joints. and for sure the suspension hasn't gone through alot of stress, I drive like a grandma.

That leaves me with strut rod bushings, UCA bushings, or UCA balljoints..what else could be it?


I'll be checking for any signs of play soon and will keep you guys updated. Thanks for all the input so far!