Hey everyone.

So about 3 weeks ago, i was driving with my friend. I had to turn around because i missed a street. So i pulled into a driveway, put it in reverse and backed out, then in first and took off. I was going slow, so i gradually straightened out the car. Right before i had the wheel completely straight, i heard a clunk from the front driverside of the car. If i had to guess, i would say it was coming from the suspension area.
The same thing happened again last night, turning into Sears parking lot. Again, i wasn't going fast, and it clunked when the wheel was returning to straight.

The only thing i can think of that may have been the same under both circumstances would be that there was a slight incline on one side of the car, which made it tilt a little. That was pretty much when the clunk sound was. On the incline and while the wheel was returning to center.

Any help or ideas would be great, my dealer is a real waste of time. I don't want to go there unless i really, really have to.

~scott

 

I actually have had the exact same problem when i made a sharp turn going up a slight incline. But it has only done it a coupla times and the car still handles fine. I wouldnt even worry about it, just my .02

 

this is a common prob with RA's, I have the same clunk, and it is a rock in the front strut, it is a huge design flaw with the car, rocks get stuck in the front coil and jars up the suspension, it is a huge pain. I've been to the dealer twice and they have pryed the rock out everytime, i hope this gets back to Mitsu for a campaigne/recall or something.

 

I had the same thing happen. Making a U-ey, slight incline. Happened three times a couple weeks ago (different days), all in the same spot. Haven't had it happen anywhere else.

I thought maybe it depended on how tight I was turning, or how fast I was going. Never thought it could be a rock in the spring.

 

I get the rear clunk.... Only after the car sits for a while it will clunk on the first turn then it's fine.

 

yeah.. i have a 100 yard gravel driveway, that could explain where a rock came from.. but what size rock are you talking about? and is it something that would be eliminated with aftermarket parts?

 

I get it.. just driving down the street hitting a small bump.. i'm used to it, my mitsu dealer didn't know what it was.. but next time i see them i'm gonna tell them about the rock thing... defeintely should be brought up to mitsu.

 

I'm trying to make a strut boot or more of a baffle that will protect the springs, it's annoying as hell, every bump the knocking and finally it comes lose or you take it in, for some reason Mitsu is aware of the problem but haven't been too eager to jump on a fix yet.....it's the same as the howl most RA's get when they back up and the rear discs howl like carzy, it's embarassing

 

The howling is super annoying it just started happening to me. Isn't it just rust on them that causes it though.

 

I've got an Evo and i had the same problem with a clunking sound so i took it in and they said it was my bushings. They then replaced my bushings and the problem was fixed! Hopefully this helps!

 

i have a similar thing happen to me, but it's only when i'm backing out of my driveway on a cold start, after that it won't do it until i reverse after it's been sitting for a while. I have an es but i'm thinking it could be something with the new body style. i dunno though. it still handles fine.

 

The Clunking sounds more like a bushing problem.. Just take it and get them replaced.They are relattively in expensive for the poart.Labor depends on your dealership but it SHOULD be covered under warranty.As for the break squeal. I have that as well.But it started after I started driving it a lil harder than when I first got it.So it would be my breaks and my style of driving not to mention Rain/Snow? Cold weather in general is when it always happens.

Really its not a big problem for me.I have had NO problems since I got my RA and have been very happy with it.I dont understand where so many RA owners have alot of problems yet I havent gotten ANY? oh well guess I got lucky and got a good one.Good luck !

PS- If you are CERTAIN it is a rock,Jack up the car in your Driveway and lok in the springs after taking your wheel off.If you dont see a rock there then it is DEFINATELY a bushing.I went thru the bushing Clunk with my Accord ( Now my parents) It doesnt take long to fix at all.. Bushings are like 20 bux and it takes an hour or 2 to do.. Just my .02

 

The only reason why it seems like the RA "...has a lot of problems", is because on here people are much more likely to post a comment when they have a problem, not when everything's fine.

 

oh don't get me wrong, I love the car.... just the howling on the rotors (due to moisture) is annoying, and the rocks in the struts are the only 2 things I have to complain about. Overall the car is great and it's a nice car, I have only 1 small issue but it has to do with the SPortback and the rear body roll, but that's any easy fix with RRM upgraded swaybar and perches and the tie bar.

 

Well ive also noticed a lot of people post the piddliest little things that go wrong with their cars. From the axleback hitting the sway bar to something as small as this. Those are really only VERY SLIGHT little issues. They just bring them up to see if we are having the same issues. Sorry to go