Front end clunk?

[Uncle Enzo]

I get the slightest little "click" or "clunk" when braking. I dont need brake hard just apply a good amount of pressure. I can only feel it via the brake pedal. Ball joints and tie rods have no play that I can detect. Everything else seems nice and tight up front.

Any ideas?

[MongooseGA]

Calipers torqued properly? I had a scare in my Lexus recently where the brakes clunked when applying pressure. Somehow the caliper bolts had loosened and allowed the actual calipers to rock when pressing the pedal.

Probably unlikely, but would definitely be something worth checking. After that, you've gotta remember these cars have old, old bushings that are likely close to being toast if not previously replaced. I know my bushings are all due for replacement.

[DRACO A5OG]

Check wheel bearings then check rear of pads to see if their slipping

[Uncle Enzo]

Thanks for the input, guys. I check it out and report back.

[Bleedsblue]

If shaking the wheel with hands at 9 and 3 with the car on the ground reproduces the clunk, +1 for wheel bearings. This issue came up at tech last autocross, and tightening the wheel bearing fixed it. I didn't notice it at all driving on the highway on the way.

[DRACO A5OG]

Also believe it or not the front clunk could be traveling from the rear bearings.

TEST: find a road with a burm, drive along side it then up it and down several times slowly. If it produces a CLUNK, then it would be the rear bearings. Do this after checking the front bearings.

[bigel]

So, I'm experiencing a similar clunking type noise as described on this thread and I have searched the forum for others like it. There's been some great advice, such as, jacking up the front end and checking the front wheels for play front to back and top to bottom.

I performed the tests and though I'm not experiencing any play front to back, there is the tiniest bit of play when I perform the '6 and 12 o'clock' test. The link below provides the evidence via YouTube video.

https://youtu.be/w9pgrS4XlIw

I also performed another test with both front wheels on the ground; during the test I push out on the fenders in a side to side motion to get the front end moving a bit. Not sure if this shows anything, but here it is.

https://youtu.be/qF7OY8kwNOE

Your best guesses and thoughts are most welcomed!

[rnln]

Originally Posted by Uncle Enzo

I get the slightest little "click" or "clunk" when braking. I dont need brake hard just apply a good amount of pressure. I can only feel it via the brake pedal. Ball joints and tie rods have no play that I can detect. Everything else seems nice and tight up front.

Any ideas?

similar to my noise. After a lot of replace/repair, now I feel it is where the spindle attaches to the shock. I plan on having them weld one day. If you have a solution, please post.

[bigel]

Yeah, I experience the 'clunk' as I travel over bumps in the road...not sure what is loose, but it sure feels like something is definitely loose. Just trying to figure it out as the front end isn't loose enough to show major play when I shake and shimmy it manually.

Ahhhhhhh!

[bigel]

Bump to get the attention of the wise and learned ones...

[Joe Bob]

Sway bar bushings?

[bigel]

Thanks, Joe Bob...I've done a visual inspection of the front mounts and they appear to be intact and in good shape, again, visually.

Can anyone else propose a DIY type checklist of stuff to check?

[wayner]

Check the point where your torsion bars attach to the suspension pan up front

If there is any rust inside that panel ( common) the mounts have been know to tear.
When they tear they clunk even if they have torn just a bit

Don't be afraid to unbolt the front mounts to inspect

[Tonger]

Brake pads shifting in the calipers because of worn out retention springs?

[bigel]

Thanks, Tonger...I had already check the front brake assemblies and they seem to be snug and not shifting.

Will disassemble the front mounts and see what I find...

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

If you need visual help while inspection the torsion bars be sure to take a peek at our tech article here: Porsche 911 Torsion Bar Replacement and Upgrades | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article. Hope you figure out this issue and if you do don't forget to report back with the answer as it may help someone else in the future.