front end clunking noise

4055 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Billybee, May 17, 2021

Billybee

Discussion Starter · May 16, 2021

Good evening!

I have a 2005 CRV that has some clunking noise when I drive over bumps (turning left/right and going straight) and speed bumps. But its quiet on newer smooth roads. The noise seems like its on my driver side. (My city has some of the worst streets in canada)

I jacked the car up and placed on stands. I did the 9 and 3 / 12 and 6 wiggle test for the ball joint/tie rods, and both have no play.

One of the stabilizer links are aftermarket as it as a grease nipple on it. I don't have a grease gun, but the nipple looked crusty with dirt and rust.

Can a malfunctioning stabilizer link cause this clunking noise going over bumps in the road?

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Topdude

· #2 · May 16, 2021

Yes, they can cause all manner of creaking / groaning / clunking noises.
They are not expensive so replace all four as it may not be the crusty one causing the noise.

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Avisitor

· #3 · May 16, 2021

When I bought my 2007 CRV in 2018, it had that clunk going over bumps.
When I went in for an NYS inspection, the mechanic told me to replace the sway bar link
Replaced them myself and the clunk was gone. So, yes, it can definitely be the sway bar link.

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Carbuff2

· #4 · May 16, 2021

You might be able to eliminate the noise just by lubricating the sway bar links. If the aftermarket ones have grease fittings, 'articulate' (twist) them before & after greasing them to work the grease in.

If you buy buy a grease gun, get a needle attachment for it as well. That allows you to lubricate the lower ball joints and ALL the OE end links that don't have grease fittings.

Grease gun (~$10 USD)

3 Oz. Mini Grease Gun with Cartridge

Amazing deals on this 3Oz Mini Grease Gun With Cartridge at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

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Extension flex hose ($4)

18 in. Flexible Grease Hose

Amazing deals on this 18In Flexible Grease Hose at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

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(Combo ~ $15)

Needle ($4)

Amazon.com: Lumax LX-1416 Silver 18G 1-1/2" Long Stainless Steel Grease Injector Needle with Cap. Ideal for Lubricating in Very Tight Places Like Sealed Bearings and Universal Joints. : Automotive

Buy Lumax LX-1416 Silver 18G 1-1/2" Long Stainless Steel Grease Injector Needle with Cap. Ideal for Lubricating in Very Tight Places Like Sealed Bearings and Universal Joints.: Grease Guns - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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Billybee

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 17, 2021

Topdude said:
Yes, they can cause all manner of creaking / groaning / clunking noises.
They are not expensive so replace all four as it may not be the crusty one causing the noise.

Avisitor said:
When I bought my 2007 CRV in 2018, it had that clunk going over bumps.
When I went in for an NYS inspection, the mechanic told me to replace the sway bar link
Replaced them myself and the clunk was gone. So, yes, it can definitely be the sway bar link.

Thank you very much! I will try greasing them first as 1 of them has a zerk fitting. If there are still noises ROckAuto has some pretty competitive pricing and a lot of options.

Carbuff2 said:
You might be able to eliminate the noise just by lubricating the sway bar links. If the aftermarket ones have grease fittings, 'articulate' (twist) them before & after greasing them to work the grease in.

If you buy buy a grease gun, get a needle attachment for it as well. That allows you to lubricate the lower ball joints and ALL the OE end links that don't have grease fittings.

Grease gun (~$10 USD)

3 Oz. Mini Grease Gun with Cartridge

Amazing deals on this 3Oz Mini Grease Gun With Cartridge at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

tinyurl.com

Extension flex hose ($4)

18 in. Flexible Grease Hose

Amazing deals on this 18In Flexible Grease Hose at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

tinyurl.com

(Combo ~ $15)

Needle ($4)

Amazon.com: Lumax LX-1416 Silver 18G 1-1/2" Long Stainless Steel Grease Injector Needle with Cap. Ideal for Lubricating in Very Tight Places Like Sealed Bearings and Universal Joints. : Automotive

Buy Lumax LX-1416 Silver 18G 1-1/2" Long Stainless Steel Grease Injector Needle with Cap. Ideal for Lubricating in Very Tight Places Like Sealed Bearings and Universal Joints.: Grease Guns - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

tinyurl.com

Thank you for the links. Im curious about the needle and lower ball joint. Obviously I don't pierce through the boot, do I need to unbolt it from the lower control arm and slide the needle btwn the tappered boot and threaded part?

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Carbuff2

· #6 · May 17, 2021

Billybee said:
Obviously I don't pierce through the boot,

I guess it was NOT obvious...😇

The needle pierces such a small hole in the rubber, that it self-seals. The small blob of residual grease keeps water/moisture out.

++++++++++++

Years ago, I had a clunk over bumps. Didn't have new sway bar links, so I added the lubrication through the grease gun w/ needle until I could get new ones.

I DID receive the new parts, but to this day, I still haven't installed them...

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Reactions: 2

Billybee

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 17, 2021

Carbuff2 said:
I guess it was NOT obvious...😇

The needle pierces such a small hole in the rubber, that it self-seals. The small blob of residual grease keeps water/moisture out.

++++++++++++

Years ago, I had a clunk over bumps. Didn't have new sway bar links, so I added the lubrication through the grease gun w/ needle until I could get new ones.

I DID receive the new parts, but to this day, I still haven't installed them...

Oh ok I will give it a shot with the swaybar links. I am not sure what brand they are but notice both sides have aftermarket ones with grease fittings. I might have to get the needle, or new fittings as the ones on them are rusted.

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