Front subframe clunking.. (bushings are new)

[johnhup]

Hi all,

I have recently noticed a "clunking" noise coming from the front subframe of the car when I go over a bump. My urethane bushings are six months old or so so I dont think thats the problem. I believe the problem lies within my calipers because the sound lessens when I hold the brakes, but still doesnt go away completely. I was told to try getting new brake pad retaining pins et al, but I still feel like the problem goes deeper. Any thoughts?

[merlin]

the reason the clunking goes away with the brakes on is because your keeping a load and pressure on the front of the car when braking. you need to lift you car and support it on stands. Check all the ball joints, sway bar links and shocks (loose collor!!!). to check the ball joints swqueeze them with a large 12" or LARGER 16" is prefered channel lock plyers. these can also be used to check the lock collors on the strut tubes.

sam

LaValle's Import Restorations

Oak Ridge, NC

[johnhup]

Thanks for the tips. I will give that a whirl. Also, what are channel lock pliers? I may have them but call them something else. Any photos?

[finkbuilt]

Any photos?

http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&c2coff=1&q=channel+lock&btnG=Search

[BillWilliams]

is the sequence of washers and spacers at the top of the shocks. That sequence has been posted here before. I think it was a scanned pic from McCartneys restoration book.

My e21 had new shocks installed many years ago and the mechanic either left out a washer or got them in the wrong order. Drove me crazy until I straightened it out.

[johnhup]

I knew I had some of those pliers. Now how exactly do I tell if it is clunking? By feeling the ball joint? I am a little confused.

[c.d.iesel]

if the brakes aid in eliminating the clunk - loading the chassis -

look at the front thrust arm bushings and tightness - the ones

at the very front of the car next to the tow-hooks

how's yer steering box mounting (on the subframe) arm ? cracked or worse?

[Paul7002]

(nt)