Subject: Re: 88 80Q Clunking

[C1J1Miller@aol.com]

 River6822@aol.com wrote:
 > 
 > There is is load clunk in the front left wheel of the car. I must be 
turning
 > in either direction, and then hit a bump or hit the break at just the right
 > time to make it happen. It sounds exactly like a broken sway bar bracket, 
but
 > isn't.
 > 
 > I checked all of the usual suspects, strut top, ball joint, outer tie rod
 > end, loose rotor. It all seems in order.
 > 
 > Any hints on what to check next ?
 ---------------
 <<Sounds like lower control arm bushing. 
 <<Pretty easy to fix though..
-------------
>**The lower control arm bushings, struts, stops, and
> top are all new. Within 
> the last 5000 miles. Noise started about 100 miles ago. 

=====================
Well, seems to me that your recent work may be the problem.  Try checking the 
bolts that mount the subframe... they need to be tightened with the car on 
it's wheels.  I had a similar problem on a 4kq where one bolt had loosened; 
apparently, the cavity wax used for rust proofing can get on the bolts when 
removed/reinstalled (they should be replaced, not reinstalled, per bentley, I 
think), preventing good torque being applied.  If one is loose, pull it out, 
clean it with degreasing solvent etc, then reinstall it.
HTH, chris miller, windham nh, c1j1miller@aol.com