ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringSuspension System Diagnosis and RepairEasy
A technician is diagnosing a vehicle with a double wishbone front suspension that exhibits a 'clunking' noise when turning the steering wheel sharply at low speeds or when going over small bumps. The technician lifts the vehicle and notices excessive play when grasping the sway bar end link and attempting to move it by hand. What is the MOST likely cause of the noise?
- AWorn sway bar end links
- BLoose lower ball joint
- CWorn upper control arm bushings
- DFailed shock absorber
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Worn sway bar end links
A 'clunking' noise during turns or over bumps, coupled with excessive play in the sway bar end link, is a classic symptom of worn or loose sway bar end links. These links connect the sway bar to the suspension, and wear allows movement and metal-on-metal contact.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A loose lower ball joint would cause clunking and significant wheel play when prying, but the specific finding of play in the end link is more direct evidence.
- C. Worn upper control arm bushings can cause clunking or creaking, but the direct observation of play in the sway bar end link points to that component.
- D. A failed shock absorber would primarily affect ride quality and damping, potentially causing a thumping noise but not typically a clunking directly associated with end link play.
Worn Sway Bar End Link
Worn sway bar end links cause a clunking noise over bumps or during turns due to excessive play in the connection between the sway bar and suspension.
- Connects sway bar to control arm or strut.
- Bushings or ball joints wear out.
- Affects body roll control and noise.
Memory trick: Clunking on turns, links are loose, fix the sway bar, no more abuse.