Strange Front Clunk

[brainiac]

I have a loud and rather alarming mechanical-sounding 'clunk' coming from somewhere around the front driver's-side wheel of my Saab 900. It only happens at low speed, when setting off/parking etc, and car seems absolutely fine when driving at normal speed. When I first heard it, I thought something was stuck to the wheel and clunking against the wheel arch, but it's not that. Can't see anything (though haven't jacked it up). Any ideas, please?

[bhg481]

If you have steel wheels with hubcaps it could be a wheel-bolt come off and be rattling round inside.

[brainiac]

Thanks, bhg, but it's not a rattling sound - definite occasional clunk is the only way I can describe it

[bhg481]

Wheel nuts tight anyway? If they are loose it could be wheel rocking.

[bhg481]

Also possibility of the CVJ being worn. They seem to be much more durable than they were in the past but if the rubber boot has got punctured or split you might have got grit in.

[brainiac]

Ta, bhg, going to have a look/check the wheels nuts. Will re-post if I can give any further info

[vulcan42]

A problem with under car noises is sound can travel. Recently my car also had a clunk which I was convinced came from the rear near side wheel. When checked the mechanic found a broken suspension bracket quite a long way from the wheel. Your clunk is at the front so it could also be a suspension bracket/joint or a worn steering joint (cvj), bearing etc. Best get it checked out.

[alavahalf]

Can you lift the front wheel off the ground (with a jack) ...
Behind the wheel you will find the lower suspension ball joint. You will need a large screwdriver or a pry bar to force that from side to side. Also try lifting the suspension arm with the bar. If it is at all loose with any of these checks, this would be the most likely cause of a clunk that appears during low manouvers.
These joints when worn, clunk around their housing as the steering is turned back and forth.

[brainiac]

Ta, alavahalf. If it is that, is it dangerous to drive?

[bhg481]

It used to be a common MoT failure (perhaps it still is), so it will have to be done by the time your MoT is due. In my opinion, as an amateur, I'd get it done soon but not be afraid to drive it like that for a short time. I'm happy to be corrected if there are any professional mechanics out there.

[alavahalf]

Good advice ... Sooner rather than later. If the joint is worn, inturn it will put your tracking out, which in turn causes tyre wear. I have seen the end result many times if it is left too long .. A car collapsed on the ground with it's wheel sticking out of the wheel arch at a strange angle.

[Old_Geezer]

I had a one off clunk a few weeks back as I started off on a long journey. Worrying but it has seemed ok since. I put it down to something stuck temporarily with the front left brake. Whether I'm right or wrong about my one off incident, could your clunk be caused by something similar ?

[brainiac]

Update. Took my Saab to local garage today, and it's the front wheel main suspension spring. Mechanic knew immediately what it was, and said it's just as well I brought it in and hadn't driven it much, as could easily have sheared through completely and shredded the tyre.
They're going to fit a new one both sides: about £190 + VAT. Urghhh
Many thanks for all the responses.

[bhg481]

Thanks for letting us know.