Jump to content

Advice for clunk


Shawn855

Recommended Posts

2016 journey - There's a clunk that happens on the front driver side when I hit a bump while turning right. Typically happens when weight is being applied to that area. Example, braking while turning right into a parking lot and hitting a bump on that (driver) side. Potentially ruling out struts and mounts since it doesn't happen when going straight, only when weight is being applied to that side. 

 

What do you guys think? Doesn't sounds like a hollow clunk from a balljoint. Doesn't sound like a wheel bearing since I'm not getting any humming while driving. Maybe a tie rod? Lower control arm? You guys would know better than me. Have an apt in the morning for the dealership but I'm still curious on your thoughts in case they can't find it/replicate the noise. Only 35k miles on it btw.

 

Thanks

Edited by Shawn855
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Official Dodge Support
18 minutes ago, Shawn855 said:

2016 journey - There's a clunk that happens on the front driver side when I hit a bump while turning right. Typically happens when weight is being applied to that area. Example, braking while turning right into a parking lot and hitting a bump on that (driver) side. Potentially ruling out struts and mounts since it doesn't happen when going straight, only when weight is being applied to that side. 

 

What do you guys think? Doesn't sounds like a hollow clunk from a balljoint. Doesn't sound like a wheel bearing since I'm not getting any humming while driving. Maybe a tie rod? Lower control arm? You guys would know better than me. Have an apt in the morning for the dealership but I'm still curious on your thoughts in case they can't find it/replicate the noise. Only 35k miles on it btw.

 

Thanks

 

Hi Shawn855, 

 

Sorry to hear about this! If you need further assistance during your dealership appointment please don't hesitate to send us a PM with your VIN and let me know.


Andrea

Dodge Social Care Specialist 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's been discussed endlessly and a common complaint. Usually the strut isolators. Ours were replaced under warranty due to clunking. Lasted about a year before they started clunking again. Replace crappy factory parts with the same crappy factory parts is a lesson in futility. If you search this section, it is probably the most common topic here. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just went to my dealer for the same clunk for the second time - the first time it was on the left and they seemed not to have solved the problem.  But I had the steering recall to do and gave them another chance to redeem themselves.  And they did.

It turns out that the left side HAD been an issue but that now it was the "link" on the right that connects the frame to the suspension which takes the lateral forces from the front suspension in turns that was loose.  So both sides were loose, and the last time they only found the one (and probably ever bothered to check the other side)

They told me they could 'hear it' but could find no problems, but when they put it up on the wheel alignment platform, they found the problem and then tightened the ends (and they also did an alignment while they were in there) and the vehicle is now as quiet as can be.  I paid for the alignment, the link adjustment was covered under the warranty because my vehicle is just short of 3 years old.

Edited by bramfrank
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, jkeaton said:

It's been discussed endlessly and a common complaint. Usually the strut isolators. Ours were replaced under warranty due to clunking. Lasted about a year before they started clunking again. Replace crappy factory parts with the same crappy factory parts is a lesson in futility. If you search this section, it is probably the most common topic here. 

 

Really? Can you point me in the right direction? I wasn't able to find any topics that discussed it sadly. Was it along the lines of when the weight is transferred to one side and turning, like my issue is? The more knowledge the better I can help my dealer find the issue. Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Shawn855 said:

A link that connects the frame to the suspension? Sway bar link? If I had the exact name it would help tremendously 

 

They describe it on the work order as a link . . . . just have your dealer call mine and ask the service department just what they did to fix my clunk because they don't know how to fix yours . . . . my name is obviously the same as I'm registered here under and my dealer is Boulevard Dodge Chrysler and their number is 514 748-2955

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, bramfrank said:

 

They describe it on the work order as a link . . . . just have your dealer call mine and ask the service department just what they did to fix my clunk because they don't know how to fix yours . . . . my name is obviously the same as I'm registered here under and my dealer is Boulevard Dodge Chrysler and their number is 514 748-2955

 

Thanks. My first challenge is recreating the noise to show them I'm not crazy lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I mentioned this at my last oil change too. It was pretty easy to re-create over a speed bump in their parking lot! They said they lubed everything up and they didn't hear the noise but when I drove away it was still there. They didn't have a loaner for me so I'm taking it back tomorrow and leaving it for a day or two until they can figure it out. Weird thing is different people say different things fixed it, so who knows. Like keaton said I asked about the strut isolators and they said they'll check, all we can do is mention what has been the solution for others or else the dealership will take their sweet time! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, lmoore1436 said:

I mentioned this at my last oil change too. It was pretty easy to re-create over a speed bump in their parking lot! They said they lubed everything up and they didn't hear the noise but when I drove away it was still there. They didn't have a loaner for me so I'm taking it back tomorrow and leaving it for a day or two until they can figure it out. Weird thing is different people say different things fixed it, so who knows. Like keaton said I asked about the strut isolators and they said they'll check, all we can do is mention what has been the solution for others or else the dealership will take their sweet time! 

 

Thanks for the update. Let me know what happens. I brought mine in yesterday and they couldn't recreate the noise, and said everything was nice and tight. No clunk whatsoever when driving straight, or to the left or to the right. It's only when I'm making a sharp right turn and hit a bump on that side. So weird...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Shawn855 said:

 

Thanks for the update. Let me know what happens. I brought mine in yesterday and they couldn't recreate the noise, and said everything was nice and tight. No clunk whatsoever when driving straight, or to the left or to the right. It's only when I'm making a sharp right turn and hit a bump on that side. So weird...

 

I will, just make sure you don't let them close out your service paperwork until YOU know it's gone. Otherwise they will note it as repaired, from how you described it sounds like the same as mine. It's especially noticeable if I hit a speed bump at an angle. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

34 minutes ago, lmoore1436 said:

 

I will, just make sure you don't let them close out your service paperwork until YOU know it's gone. Otherwise they will note it as repaired, from how you described it sounds like the same as mine. It's especially noticeable if I hit a speed bump at an angle. 

 

Thanks will do. I'll remind them to keep it open, so that when i go past my warranty, I won't have to pay for it hopefully. Only 3000kms left of warranty.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

55 minutes ago, Shawn855 said:

Any updates? My dealer is the king of "nothing is wrong". 

I'm heading over in about an hour to pick it up... They said ti was the lower control arms but I'm going to have to drive it first. Last time they said it was fixed and it made the noise as I was pulling out of the parking lot. I'll let you know if that fixed the issue. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

32 minutes ago, lmoore1436 said:

Got it back and drove it around for a good 30 minutes or so. No clunk or creak going over any bumps... The lower control arm fix worked like a charm. 

 

Was your clunking happening while going straight, or only while turning? Because mine ONLY happens if i'm making a right hand turn, while going downhill, and hitting a bump. So basically when all of the weight is shifted to the front driver side.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 minutes ago, Shawn855 said:

 

Was your clunking happening while going straight, or only while turning? Because mine ONLY happens if i'm making a right hand turn, while going downhill, and hitting a bump. So basically when all of the weight is shifted to the front driver side.

It was whenever the suspension was engaged... Most notably over speed bumps, or uneven surfaces on the road. There are lower control arms on the left and right so it may just be one of yours, or it could be a completely different issue. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

40 minutes ago, jkeaton said:

 

Not for long...they replaced crappy parts with the same crappy parts...it will happen again. 

Dang negative Nancy! Haha let me enjoy it for a while at least! I know it will eventually come back, but they are under warranty for an extended period now so if I do need them replaced again it shouldn't be an issue. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, lmoore1436 said:

Dang negative Nancy! Haha let me enjoy it for a while at least! I know it will eventually come back, but they are under warranty for an extended period now so if I do need them replaced again it shouldn't be an issue. 

 

LOL.....speaking from experience.....our clunk was due to struts. After they replaced them, no more noise....for about 10,000 more miles, then it slowly started coming back....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...