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Clunking noise from front suspension on my 2016 Lancer ES

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:08 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Hi all, I'm hearing a noticeable clunking sound from the front end of my 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer ES, especially when going over speed bumps or potholes. It's more prominent on the driver's side. The car has around 85,000 miles.

It's not constant, only when the suspension articulates a bit. I've checked for anything obvious like loose items in the trunk or under the hood, but no luck. Could this be a worn bushing, a ball joint, or something more serious? What should I tell my mechanic to look for?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:08 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A clunking noise from the front suspension, especially over bumps, is a very common complaint and usually indicates wear in one or more suspension components. Given your 2016 Lancer ES has 85,000 miles, this is a prime mileage for these parts to start showing wear.

Common Causes of Front Suspension Clunking:

  1. Sway Bar End Links: These are a very frequent culprit. The bushings or ball joints within the end links can wear out, causing a clunking noise as the suspension moves.
  2. Control Arm Bushings: The rubber bushings that connect the control arms to the vehicle frame can crack or deteriorate, leading to metal-on-metal contact and noise.
  3. Ball Joints: Worn lower or upper ball joints (depending on suspension design) can create a clunking sound and are a safety concern as they connect the wheel hub to the control arm.
  4. Strut Mounts/Bearings: The strut mounts at the top of the shock absorber can wear out, causing noise. Sometimes the bearing within the mount can also fail.
  5. Loose Components: Less common, but sometimes a loose bolt on a suspension component can cause noise.

When to See a Shop:

It's important to address suspension noises promptly, as worn components can affect handling, tire wear, and potentially lead to more serious safety issues. A qualified technician should perform a thorough inspection:

  1. Visual Inspection: Look for torn boots on ball joints and tie rods, cracked bushings on control arms and sway bars.
  2. Pry Bar Test: Use a pry bar to check for play in ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends.
  3. Shake Test: With the vehicle lifted, grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and then 3 and 9 o'clock to check for play in wheel bearings and steering components.
  4. Listen for Noise: While one technician bounces the suspension, another can listen with a stethoscope to pinpoint the exact source of the clunk.

There are typically no OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) codes associated with mechanical suspension noises like clunking.

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