Clunk noise on when steering full lock, do I need new CV joints?

Submitted by TullyK on

Forum: 

Hello everyone, I've noticed that when I steer my Sportrak near to full lock there is often a single clunk. I've been told that a repeated noise is a sign of worn CV joints but it surprises me that this occurs even when the manual hubs are set to free. I have checked the hubs are disengaging properly and they are.

Any help greatly appreciated, thanks very much.

Clunk on steering

Submitted by oldminiman on

Sounds to me as if it is the steering stops being reached and nothing to worry about. CV make a repetitive clonking noise on lock and often are easier to diagnose in reverse on full lock.

M J Young

If it is the steering stops

Submitted by scareysue on

If it is the steering stops (or bump stops) I had a similar issue with my old one, which could be resolved with copper slick on the stops.

Previously owned Daihatsu Sportrak, Fourtrak - and currently a Copen

doing that now

Submitted by sportrak1990199... on

we are putting it on ours today

I've been paying particular

Submitted by TullyK on

I've been paying particular attention over the last couple of days, and the clunk happens not when full lock is reached but straight away when you come off full lock.

Mine does the same!

Submitted by sportrak1990199... on

My 91 sportrak makes a clunking noise. it does it on all bumps and 3-6 times when on full lock

Checks.

Submitted by Mace on

CV Joint.
To check a CV joint. Go to an open space such as Tesco car park. In 1st gear drive full circles in full turning lock. Then do the same turning circles in opposite direction. If a CV is faulty you will hear a crack/crack/crack whilst the car is driven in a circle.

Track rod end.
Ignition off. Wheels forward and in-line. Get an assistant at the steering wheel. You go and hold a front wheel - hands horizontal at each outer edge of the tyre. Tell you assistant to slightly wobble the steering wheel. If the tyre fails to move suspect the track rod is faulty. Moving the steering wheel half an inch each direction should be felt at the tyre. Repeat on other front wheel.
NB .... this test may also show a faulty wheel bearing. Further check by jacking the car, grasping the tyre as above and gently push the wheel inwards from one edge then the other. About 3% is the maximum the wobble for a wheel bearing.

Ball joints.
Drive over a sleeping policeman. Clunk - joint has failed.
Alternative is to jack/support the car and with force lever the joint [top then bottom joint] with an iron bar. Any movement within the joint[s] will be obvious.