2001 Boxster S Clunking Noise, Driver's Side

[jfarris]

I have a light clunking sound when I go over bumps in my 2001 Boxster S. I notice it a low speed, probably when it is quiet, such as entering and exiting my driveway (a 1.5” lip).

I’ve owned the car for five years and put 45,000 miles on it, 90,400 total. Three years ago I was rear ended by a Toyota Camry. The damage was to the bumper, spoiler, ends of the frame (unibody), left rear fender, and the rear trunk floor pan. When the cosmetic repair was complete, a control arm on the driver’s side had to be replaced in order to align it. While slaloming this summer, I developed a thumping noise under turning acceleration that was diagnosed as a faulty motor mount. I replaced that motor mount and added a Pedro’s Techno Brace at the same time. The thumping noise disappeared. But, now I have a clunking noise. It sounds like the noise when you set or drop the engine cover down onto the pins under the top. You can’t really isolate the sound to the front or rear of the car, but it is predominate on the driver’s side of the car.

So far here is what I’ve done, in order. Checked all the rear suspension attachment points when I installed the motor mount and Techno Brace. Bounced on both door sills and bumpers. Checked to see if the engine cover was on tight. Checked the tightness of the top of the shocks and struts. Removed the rear trunk upholstery and trim and checked the attachment of the trunk floor pan. Looked in the Bentley Book and decided to lower the window halfway and check the security of the window regulator versus taking the inner door panel off. I have yet to find anything lose that might be making the noise.

I am about to run out of airspeed and altitude at the same time – any new ideas?
TIA - Jim

[tonythetarga]

It could be drop links for the sway bars. When they wear a little there is just enough play to give you a metal on metal noise that you can hear as you described. They are not expensive to replace and if they haven't been done in 5 yrs and 45k miles, then they probably are ready to be replaced.