Clunking Noise When Turning: Understanding the Cause and Solutions

Have you ever heard a clunking noise coming from your car when you turn a corner or go through a sharp curve at a low speed? This sound can be concerning, especially if you're hauling extra weight in your AWD SUV. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this noise and provide you with practical solutions to address the issue. By the end of this guide, you will be better equipped to identify and resolve the problem on your own.

Potential Causes of the Clunking Noise

The clunking noise you are experiencing could be due to several components in your vehicle. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Sway Bar or Bushings

One of the first things to check is the sway bar or bushings. Similar to your experience, any small bump or bump-like condition can trigger a clunking noise, indicating an issue with these components. This is further confirmed when you hear the noise persist even after the vehicle is moved. It is crucial to have a mechanic with experience to accurately diagnose the issue, as a professional diagnosis can significantly reduce the time and effort required for repairs.

Constant Velocity (CV) Joints

Another frequent cause of clunking noise during turning is damage to the CV axles. These joints connect the wheels to the transmission and can become worn out over time. To check for CV joint issues, follow these steps:

Make sure the engine is off and the transmission is in neutral. Jack up the wheels and use axle stands to lift them to the air. Try to rotate the shaft by hand; there should be no twisting motion. If you hear a clunking noise, it indicates that the CV joints are worn and need to be replaced.

A stop and steer shop can quickly confirm this issue if you're uncertain.

Struts

While struts can wear out over time, they are less likely to cause the clunking noise you're experiencing. Struts and shock absorbers are often conflated, but their functions differ. The spring in the strut assembly carries the weight, not the strut itself. Its primary purpose is to dampen the load-carrying springs, preventing you from bouncing continuously when the car stops.

However, if the coil springs within the strut assembly are damaged, the struts can become a factor. But typically, a worn strut or shock absorber is more likely to cause a bouncy ride, not a clunking noise. Therefore, the clunking noise while turning is more likely a CV joint issue.

Additional Considerations and Diagnosing Steps

It's also possible that other issues, such as worn-out wheel bearings or damaged ball joints and tie rod ends, could be causing the clunking noise. Here are some additional steps you can take to diagnose the issue:

Power Steering Use: If you use your power steering while the car is not moving, especially when turning the wheel to its full extent, this could be a contributing factor. Theory of Turning Motion: Try turning the wheel back a bit from its full lock position when the car is not moving. If you are experiencing the noise while moving, it is less likely to be related to a CV joint and more likely to be an issue with suspension components.

Considering that many of these components are essential for the safe operation of your vehicle, it is crucial to have a professional mechanic inspect these areas. A front end specialist can also be of great help, as they can check for issues with the ball joints and tie rod ends, and apply necessary grease or address potential failures.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Clunking noises when turning can be caused by various issues, but the most common are CV joint problems. It's important to take your car to a professional mechanic who can accurately diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate repairs. Remember, safety should always be your top priority, and neglecting these potential issues can lead to more significant problems down the road.