I have read through many threads describing "clunking" noises, however, all of those focused on the struts as the issue. The noise I hear is when I am stopping and starting, and seems to be just on the driver's side near the firewall. Are there any recommendations for curing the issue, or areas to possibly look for solutions?

Thanks in advance

 

have you upgraded your suspension?

 

No, and the sound comes and goes. It will happen for a week straight and then stop for a couple days, then start again.

 

what brake pads are you running?

 

Hawk pads. I know that is not the issue, i have become used to that noise...good call though. It is a deeper noise than that of the pads shifting when going from reverse to forward, etc. Thanks!

Any other ideas?

 

worn top mounts, ball joint, track rod end.

 

Thanks, I was hoping something may just need to be tightened. I will check these out when I get the car on a lift this weekend. Thanks

 

Did you ever get this issue resolved?... I have this same exact problem. Only on the driver's side. Only happens when accelerating from a stop or coming to a stop. Doesn't make this noise during driving or hitting bumps.

I thought it might have been the pillow ball mounts, so I relaced my coilovers, and I still have this same noise. I cannot duplicate this noise except as described above, which makes it difficult to diagnos. I have checked everything, and nothings loose or ripped. Any answers or suggestions... please help... this is driving me nuts! thanks

 

fwiw, my money's on the ball-joint. they just clonk, it's a fact of life. 3K, yours might be some other ones in the suspension system - like in the wishbones or something, rather than the strut.
they won't appear loose (at least from shaking it with your hand) but there are places with equipment to test the joints to see for sure.

 

Thanks 838. I will check to see if that's it. Anyone else have any suggestions?...

 

Do you have an aftermarket downpipe? I remember someone here having a clunking noise from the aftermarket downpipe.

 

Have the same problem with my 04. Clunks/pops from the driver firewall right by your feet when releasing the clutch hard foreward or backward, then again when coming to a stop. Has gotten less audible and more frequent, like a loose bolt or something

 

The absolute best way to diagnose a noise like this is to take it to a shop that has a "chassis ear". This is a box with 6 microphone clips and a set of headphones. You put the clips on different parts of the suspension/drivetrain and drive the vehicle. Have the passenger put the headphones on and keep switching from microphone to microphone. This will help pinpoint the noise.

 

Other things to check are motor/transmission mounts and lower control arm mounts.