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2018 Q50 Front Suspension Clunking Noise Over Bumps

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Nicole W. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:06 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 with about 65,000 miles on it, and I've started hearing a noticeable clunking noise from the front end. It's most apparent when I go over speed bumps, potholes, or uneven pavement at low speeds. It sounds like something is loose.

It's coming from both sides, but maybe a bit more pronounced on the passenger side. The steering feels okay, no pulling, but the noise is definitely concerning.

I haven't hit any major potholes recently that I can recall. Has anyone else experienced this with their Q50? What should I be looking for? Any common culprits for this kind of noise on these cars? Thanks for any help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:06 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A clunking noise from the front suspension of your 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is a common symptom of several potential issues, especially as the vehicle accumulates mileage. It's crucial to address this promptly as suspension components are vital for both ride quality and safety.

Here are the most common causes for a front-end clunk:

  1. Sway Bar End Links: These are a very frequent cause of clunking noises. The bushings or ball joints within the end links can wear out, leading to play and noise, particularly over uneven surfaces.
  2. Control Arm Bushings: The rubber bushings in the upper or lower control arms can degrade and crack over time, allowing metal-on-metal contact or excessive movement.
  3. Strut Mounts/Bearings: The top mounts of the struts can wear out, causing a clunk, especially when turning the steering wheel or going over bumps. The strut itself could also be failing, though a clunk is more often a mount issue.
  4. Ball Joints: Worn lower or upper ball joints can also create a clunking sound due to excessive play.
  5. Tie Rod Ends: While less common for a general clunk over bumps, worn inner or outer tie rod ends can contribute to front-end noise and affect steering precision.

Diagnostic Steps:

  • Visual Inspection: With the car safely on jack stands, inspect the rubber bushings on control arms, sway bar end links, and tie rods for cracks, tears, or excessive wear.
  • "Shake Down" Test: Gently try to move suspension components by hand (e.g., shake the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock for ball joints, 3 and 9 o'clock for tie rods) to feel for any play.
  • Professional Inspection: Given the complexity and safety implications, it's highly recommended to have a qualified mechanic perform a thorough inspection. They can use specialized tools to load the suspension and pinpoint the exact source of the noise.

When to See a Shop: You should schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic or Infiniti dealership as soon as possible. Ignoring suspension noises can lead to:

  • Accelerated wear on other suspension and steering components.
  • Compromised handling and stability, increasing accident risk.
  • Potential for catastrophic failure of a component, leading to loss of control.

While there are no specific OBD-II codes for mechanical suspension wear, addressing the clunk will restore your Q50's ride quality and, more importantly, its safety.

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