Son's Vibe has developed a front suspension vibration/clunk...

[vibolista]

We have a Vibe with an interesting problem. Decelerating, using brakes or just off the gas, from 30 to 20 mph, in a slight right turn the left (loaded side) front clunks. The frequency of the clunks are speed dependant. He also reports a wiggle in the steering wheel that starts just above 65 and continues to just over 75 mph, but then it goes away at 80mph.He experiences both conditions, whether he has his 16 inch steelies or his aftermarket 17s installed on the Vibe. Anyone have any ideas? The dealership looked it over a few months ago during an oil change, and could find nothing wrong!

[ou.grizzly]

I am unable to find the thread off hand, but a few members have reported a similar issue (front end clunk). I believe it originated from the strut towers. Tighten the 3 bolts on the tower (each side) and see if that cures the issue. Some members even got a gasket type material from either Lowes or Home Depot and placed it under the strut tower to act as an insulator/vibration dampener which reported good results. As for play in the wiggling in the steering, not sure.

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »As for play in the wiggling in the steering, not sure. Tie rods are either loose or nearing the end of their lives

[vibolista]

Ok, ou. and star_ will go out first thing in the morning with wrench in hand and check these out. Could it be a worn CV joint? Not leaking... but could it be wearing out? He has close to 80,000 miles on it.

[shaeet]

I agree w/ou.grizzly's idea on the strut towers.however remove the center rubber cover & see if the center shaft is tightened against the strut mount. Mine somehow loosened & i had a horrible clunk on my car. Tightening these bolts is pretty simple & easy while the car is parked.other thought would be the balljoint. The best way to check the balljoint is to jack up the car and with the wheel still mounted, jiggle the wheel left to right & top to bottom. If there is play then the balljoint is worn and needs replaced. You have to be careful when jiggling it that you aren't moving the steernig linkage or suspension, The play shouldn't take much force (if there is any).I don't see how a clunk would be the CV joint. If the axle is worn you'd hear a constant drone or clicking sound when turning...or a vibration that is dependent on speed.

[vibolista]

Didn't get a chance to get to his car today... but I'll do it Friday when he's here. Anything special to get the center rubber cover off? Stuttgart, Duetschland, seriously? Nice Vibe, by the way and thanks for the ideas.

[ou.grizzly]

Forgot to mention, do not over tighten the nuts too much or otherwise the bolt will snap off. Use a torque wrench if available, no more than 30-35 lbs per inch.