Clunk on start up

[Spranga]

Tonight when i was driving over the Harbour Bridge (in peak hour traffic) I noticed occasional clunking and grinding noises from the front end. I stopped and checked everything but could not find anything obvious. On the rest of the trip home I noticed a slight clunk when i put the brakes on and occasional grinding when going around corners. I jacked the car up and checked all the wheels and everything seemed fine. On a subsequent test drive there was virtually no clunking or grinding. However every time I start the engine there is a nasty thump. The engine mounts seem OK. It this stage I am thinking it may be gearbox mounts...? My car was in a nasty front on accident a few weeks ago which ended up being a $7200 repair so I am assuming it may be related to that. Anyone got any ideas????

Thanks

Dan

[JBT]

There are no gearbox mounts. There is a power plant frame (PPF) between the gearbox and diff that holds it all together. Could still very well be engine mounts. Or the gearbox to PPF bolts could be loose.

[Bevan]

Do you have an aftermarket exhaust? It could be that clunking on some bracing.

[manga_blue]

Could be heaps of things involving engine, gearbox, PPF, body, panels, subframe or anything else bolted onto them. Take it back to the panelbeaters and let them sort it.

[Spranga]

Jason from Top Tune is having a look. If it is serious and relates to the accident then I will take it back. It is heat sensitive because it does not clunk when cold, but it does when the car is warm.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Dan

[Spranga]

Jason sorted it. Would you believe it was a small bolt wedged between the sump and crossmember!

[manga_blue]

Easily, panelbeaters are as bad as surgeons when it comes to leaving things behind.

[Spranga]

Easily, panelbeaters are as bad as surgeons when it comes to leaving things behind.

I can forgive them. There are more bits under the bonnet of my 5 than in my chest!