Clunking sound coming from driver's side front?

Tiny
JAKE CURTI
  • MEMBER
  • 2022 NISSAN SENTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
Recently, I’ve noticed a worsening clunking sound when I do very specific things. It sounds the worst when taking a sharp left turn from a complete stop. I also hear it when changing from reverse to drive and I hear it when I’m moving and lightly tap the gas pedal and let off. It’s coming from somewhere between the wheel and the transmission It sounds like. The other thing is when I reach certain speeds I have a little bit of vibration in the steering wheel. However, when that first started, I went and had my alignment done and they said it wasn’t out of alignment but tuned it up as much as they could.
Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 3:48 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

First, make sure there are no loose suspension or steering components. Lift that wheel off the ground and make sure there is no play in any direction in the wheel/tire.

If that appears tight, the next thought is a faulty CV joint. Take a look through this link and let me know if anything seems to mirror what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

Based on what I hear and what you described (vibration) I suspect this is the issue.

Let me know what you find,

Joe
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Monday, June 24th, 2024 AT 10:38 PM
Tiny
JAKE CURTI
  • MEMBER
  • 44 POSTS
So, my parking brake is not engaged, but the only movement I get with the tire would be this. Additionally, the CV joint makes a sound when I push and pull like in the video. No outward signs of damage that I can see without actually inspecting the inside.
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

From what I'm seeing in the videos, nothing appears to be faulty. If you place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock and wiggle, is there play in the wheel. And the same when you place your hands at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions?

I relistened to the first two videos. The second one, when you were shifting back and forth, could you have a helper do that while you see if the axle is where the noise is coming from?

Joe
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 AT 8:09 PM

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