Turning clunk, is it the axle or rack?

Tiny
SAMUELROB009
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 HONDA CRV
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 263,000 MILES
My vehicle has a noticeable "clunk" on turns. If I turn left, it's always about the same point in the turn, and if I turn right, it sometimes clunks but always clunks if I turn left, then right.

Since I pulled the joint free (just the joint inside the bolt) to do the strut assembly (below), I first suspected the CV axles as I thought I may have damaged them somehow despite doing everything properly, but now I'm questioning the steering rack, as the clunk is not rotational whatsoever. However, I cannot replicate this clunk on jackstands or while parked, only while driving, which takes me back to the axles. At high speeds there is also a pretty faint vibrating that wasn't there before but I also have engine issues so I can't determine if that's related to the clunk at all, it feels more engine related.

Relevant work I have done in the last 5,000 miles includes:
Strut assembly (entire)
Inner/outer tie rods
Sway bar links

Work done within 60,000 miles includes:
Control arms
Ball joints
CV axles

I have verified that control arms and ball joints appear and operate as expected. I also do not have any of the typical expected symptoms of bad wheel bearings though I haven't ruled it out. There is no play in the tires, the entire suspension is solid and torqued to spec.

If I can get a recording of this noise I will add it. Thank you!
Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 AT 10:27 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Cheaper replacement struts can make noises soon after installation. Yes, a video will help me hear what's going on to give us an idea of what to look for. I have seen the sway bar frame bushings cause this problem, please check out the image below to see what I am talking about, use a flashlight to inspect both bushings on either side. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 AT 10:32 AM

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