clunk

[namster]

i have a loud \"clunk\" which happens when i have full lock, or on full hard brakes when turning.

what are some possibilities/issues?

-sway bar bushes too old?
-steering bushes too old?


thanks
Kev

[Gazbo]

CV Joints?

Nah, I'm joking!

[gregord]

I had been chasing such a noise for some time in my 1990 car. I spent a lot of time going over the front suspension, and bought new bushes for the front end. I was in the actual process of replacing the bushes when I decided to just check a nut for tightness.
I discovered the entire steering rack was not tight.
No more clunks!
I mentioned this to a suspension expert at a recent club meeting and he told me that he had seen this problem a number of times in early models.

[sirbob]

Tat sounds very similar to the sound coming from my NB's steering, which occurs under the same conditions namster mentioned...


Time for me to hop under the front end with a spanner me thinks!

Gregord, which nuts did you tighten in particular?

[gregord]

I began by tightening the mounting bracket bolts - this was where I found they were loose.
For good measure I then took them out and put on some locktite.
Then I tightened everything - steering shaft, intermediate shaft bolts etc.
I can't believe the difference.
I had three suspension places and two Mazda dealers look for this. It was only because I waiting on some penetrating oil to do its job that I fluked it.