I'm just looking for suggestions at what else to check here -- I'm really at a loss. I'm driving a 2005 Evo VIII.

This noise only happens at low speed on non even surfaces and over speed bumps -- I hear this clunking that sounds like the lug nuts are not tight. I have pulled the wheel off twice lately (for various other fixes and putting on winter tires) and tightened the lugs down to 85 lbs.

A bit of history though: I have replaced the ball joint on that side since it was torn (replaced with the Whiteline Roll Center Kit -- amazing by the way!), I had the end link on that side recently break and that was just replaced with Whiteline End Links on all 4 corners -- yet I'm still getting this damn noise!

Only thing I haven't checked yet is the suspension strut bearing (i guess that's what you call it). Stock suspension top bearings were originally grinding so I had both sides replaced. Could those top mounts make a clunking noise if they are either too tight or not tight enough??

Everything else on the suspension is solid. None of the bolts are lose on the suspension. The LCA is tight, pinch bolt is tight, end links nuts are self tightening and they are tight -- any suggestions????

 

Blown shock??

 

I had this for years. Ended up being the axle. I would pull the axle out of the hub and check for loose up and down play on the outer cv. I bought an oem rebuild kit with new grease and haven't heard it for a couple weeks (longest time without the noise returning).

Prior to the axle I tried: new top hats, tie rods, end links (whiteline), ball joints (whiteline), struts.

Good luck

 

Wow -- that is rather crazy! I did have to replace the seal on that side since the engine builder tore the previous one (don't ask). So did you rebuild the boot I'm guessing?? Where did you get the kit? Have a link?

Thanks for the idea!

 

Maybe a worn out/bad strut, but most likely the passenger side axle has worn out. What you are describing is what happened to mine as well. I ended up buying a new axle and a shim kit to eliminate any excess play, followed by a four wheel alignment.

 

As for the strut -- ugh that would suck too. The only good news I have about it that these were removed off the car the day it was purchased (7 years ago) and just recently put back on the car (3 months ago) since the after market coilovers blew out. So unless they went bad sitting in my garage?? I hope that isn't it either.. It "feels" fine when driving. The expressway makes ZERO noise. Just at low speed and even then it isn't "all the time"

Gosh I hope it isn't worn out -- the car may be an 05 but only has 76k on it. I had to purchase a new axle on the driver side earlier since they tore the hell out of the boot. Consequently the boot kit I tried just didn't work so ended up with the new axle. Those things are not cheap from Mitsu -- did you purchase OEM or other?

 

I would say strut too.. Can you feel it in the floor board? Mine was ok the ds and it was right under my clutch pedal would drive me ape ****. Finally figured out it was a bad top hate so replaced the strut and new top hate it went away.

 

No I can't feel it. It literally sounds like lug nuts that are too loose. But if 85 lbs is too loose I don't know what I should have it at

The top hats are both BRAND NEW. I'm wondering if they were not tightened down enough. Trying to tighten them by hand it appears they just spin -- I'm thinking I need air tools for this one.

 

I had a clunking like that a few thousand miles ago, I was on stock kybs and the front passenger one blew. Swapped them for some pss9's, never heard it again.

 

well if it's the suspension it will have to wait. It's, so far, only a noise. I haven't noticed any change in performance of daily driving or slightly aggressive driving. I appreciate all the ideas!