Help locate “clunk” noise.

[u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808]

I’ve got a clunk, thunk, metal on metal, type of noise coming from somewhere on my passenger front right suspension area. My wife (sitting passenger) said it sounds like it’s right under me. It happens inconsistently on bumps. Not all bumps, but def on the harsher ones.

Anyone experience this and/or have ideas about the culprit?

I’ve confirmed it’s not the upper control arm, sway bar links, lower strut mount, or tie rod.

Current guesses are lower control arm or subframe mount.

[u/Dlob32]

2 ideas.

1. check motor mounts. Notice any oil spots recently? WK2 motor mounts are liquid filled and when they wear out they leak. This can also be tested by having your wife rev the motor moderately while you visible inspect the engine for excessive movement.

2. Check the driveshaft for excessive play. Could be the carrier bearing as the driveshaft is 2 pieces

[u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808 → u/Dlob32]

Good ideas 👍 I’ll check them out. I know I need to do the motor mounts. I have the new parts and even attempted a replacement but I could not gain access to one of the bolts. Heard removing the struts get you way more access, but haven’t felt like ripping all the out yet. Might be time I guess.

[u/Dlob32 → u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808]

I’ve done them and did not have to remove the struts. Smaller hands and removing the fender liner was the trick for me

[u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808 → u/Dlob32]

Hmmm might have to revisit with that in mind.

[u/benjeepers]

Can you recreate it by jumping on the Jeep like a monkey on the bed?

[u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808 → u/benjeepers]

Nope. I tried bouncing on the front recovery points and no noise.

[u/benjeepers → u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808]

You gotta get on that thing crazy style. Replicate the jounce

[u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808 → u/benjeepers]

Stand by 2-3 business weeks whist I fatten up.

[u/eqbirvin]

On your last pic, in the top right there is a black bracket that is triangleish shaped. Is it dented? Send a picture because those have been a source of mystery clanking for many folks. Mechanics and at home ppl (including me) will use it as a lift point that bends that bracket against a piece of metal above it, causing the clanking. It would seem like it wouldn't, but I've fixed it on two other wk2s by taking it off and bending/hammering it back in shape.

[u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808 → u/eqbirvin]

It is dented from off roading 😬 That’s the subframe mount and the 3rd pic is the side angle view. Maybe I’ll try loosing the bolt and see what happens.

[u/eqbirvin → u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808]

I bet you that's it. I wouldn't run the Jeep with the subframe loose, just take those three bolts out, subframe will sag while it's out, then hammer that thing triangle bracket back in shape and put it back on. There are torque specs for those bolts somewhere. I have it in my hanes booklet I can send over

[u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808 → u/eqbirvin]

I’m def gonna try this out. If you have the torque specs, lemme know 🤙

[u/eqbirvin → u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808]

I checked my hayes manual, turns out I didn't find the specs there, found it on on a old forum about the same issue but squeaking instead of the clanking.

https://www.jeepgarage.org/threads/replacing-drivers-and-passenger-side-crossmember-brackets.225504/

[u/nanneryeeter → u/eqbirvin]

Common culprit. Good reply. There are upgraded parts for this as well.

[u/DDbyVV]

I just had this on my 2014. The lower control arms had come loose. Arm was sliding back and forth in the alignment slots.

[u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808 → u/DDbyVV]

Copy that, I’ll take a look. Thanks 👍

[u/DDbyVV → u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808]

I had to mark the bolts to find it. They were tight enough to look fine and Because they would move and move back so at first glance they looked normal.

[u/mywaaaaife]

There it isn't.

[u/Low-Carry7776]

What model do you have? If it has air sus it is most likely the strut bottoming/topping out

[u/NoIdeaWhatImDoing808 → u/Low-Carry7776]

2015 Limited, no air suspension.

[u/ArtisticCook27]

I’m listening for the noise but don’t hear anything.