Please help me diagnose this wheel clunk

[GoodMojo]

With the driver's side front wheel off the ground, I grabbed the wheel at 12 and 6 and "twisted" the wheel up and down and hear a distinct clunk (and saw motion as well) while doing so. Pushing and pulling on the wheel does not generate the clunk and there's not much play, if any. Any ideas what this clunk may be? Failing strut?

Thanks,
-Wade
'88 930 Slant Coupe

[jbripps]

Hey Wade,

The mere fact that I can finally answer (or attempt to answer) your question amazes me. I'm starting to get the hang of things around here.

What you describe sounds like your bearings need adjustment. I did mine last night. My problem was discovered by the Techs during my tech inspection for a DE event.

Anyhow, adjusting them is not too difficult (now that I've done it), but you have to remove the wheel again, and then remove the bearings dust cap (what a friggin' pain, at least on my '85 targa). Then, rather than explaining how to adjust them (takes a minute or two for the adjusting, but difficult to explain), I'll defer to some of the more learned people here.

In the event it's not your bearings, the movement you describe may be the signs of needing a new tie rod..........how does that sound people? Let's wait for more opinions, as this is pretty much my first attempt at a diagnosis.

best of luck and regards,

[dickster]

in addition, if you spin the wheel does it make a "noise", not unlike rumbling? mine does and its the bearing again, but it needs replacing not adjusting. it should be very quiet and smooth when spun.

[Bobboloo]

Clunks are usually associated with ball joints. But that it doesn't do this when you pull or push suggest otherwise. It could be your shock as you have suggested. Did you check to make sure it's fastened properly?

Bobby