For the record, I get the clunk sometimes too. Usually when backing up with the wheels turned, but sometimes while going forward turning through a slight depression like a driveway or a gutter. I noticed it happening after I cranked my torsion bars so I just figured it had to to with the suspension geometry being changed.
'99 Montero - Clunk noise when turning
- Thread starter nckwltn
- Start date
MonteroLTD
Adventurer
Most likely your control arm bushings are worn, the metallic clunk is the control arm hitting the bracket that its mounted to. This is very common after raising your vehicle. It happened to my gen 3 after I added a 2" lift. The camber bolts were seized in the bushing and had to be cut out with a torch. Took me about 3 hours to do.
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nwoods
Expedition Leader
My 98 clunks like SoCalMonty's and JCoster's. Most of the time it's when I'm reversing and turning, like backing out of a parking space. Sometimes when bouncing through a swale at low speeds. I just figured it was the torsion bars, which are an odd contraption for which I have no experience with.
Hi-
Has anyone correctly diagnosed this clunking noise? According to this thread, it seems very common. I too have the same issue when backing out of a parking spot or hard braking.
Pdivizzle0112
Observer
Mine did the clunk on full left lock until I replaced all the balljoints
rajin cajun
Adventurer
My gen 2 started clunking/popping. So, I replaced the upper/lower ball joints, the dust covers were dried out (live in sandbox). Still making clunking noise. Taking it to my mechanic in a few days. The body bushing still look good surprisingly. Both CV axle shafts/front bearings are new with only 11,000 miles on them, but it's been nearly five years. No extreme 4x4 since then. Planning on replacing all bushings (courtesy ADD) chrome moly Kingpin, Pitman, and all tie rods. If we puzzle this out I will update the thread. It makes the sound sporadic, while backing out driveway or stopping abruptly. Spent sometime under the front suspension today and nothing appeared out of ordinary. Although, I'm no mechanic....
Cheers,
RC
'round n' back again
Explorer
i vote its sway bar related. they clunk and are irritating as heck...but an easily overlooked source of the clunking.
MrGalantguy
Mitsubishi Loyalist
Ironically enough...mine has just started to do this recently. I have heard the "clunk" about 3 separate times only going in reverse in low speeds with the wheels turned right each time. I have inspected my suspension and my ball joints have seen better days and definitely my left upper ball joint the boot has torn in the recent months.
I haven't adjusted my torsion bars at all..completely stock height. Going to order all Mitsu upper and lower ball joints soon and get them replaced along with a few other front end suspension parts. Hopefully this may solve that "clunk" issue for me and I will update this thread.
I haven't adjusted my torsion bars at all..completely stock height. Going to order all Mitsu upper and lower ball joints soon and get them replaced along with a few other front end suspension parts. Hopefully this may solve that "clunk" issue for me and I will update this thread.
bikerjosh
Explorer
Hey, after you do yours come on up to the Bay Area and I'll buy you lunch to do my upper control arm bushings.
nckwltn
Explorer
Uppers look easy... it's the lower's I'm concerned about.
SlimPickins
Escapee
Another 'me too.' Mine does exactly the same, under the same reverse/turning/driveway situation as described by others. This has continued even after recent new tie rods, ball joints, control arms, sway bar bushings, etc. I too have my torsion bars re-indexed and cranked some as I also replaced the sagging rear coils and the truck had a helluva rake after new springs. The clunking did occur prior to this and doesn't seem to have changed much post suspension refresh. One thing I have noticed, my aftermarket (ACDelco) passenger side lower control arm front frame connection does not sit centered in the frame bracket. The control arm seems to have excess material which comes in contact with the truck's control arm frame bracket. I think this would cause more of a creaking/metallic rubbing noise vs a clunk but its the only thing I notice when under the truck trying to explain the clunk we all have. Wish I'd have just re-used my original control arms and just replaced bushings but that's another story.. I've almost been tempted to get under the truck while someone puts it into reverse with wheels turned but that's a game of 'do you trust me?' that I don't think I'm willing to play..