Knock Knock Knock! CLUNK!!
 

Volvo S60, 2001, 2.0 TS. 68k.

I've been getting a clunking noise coming from the front passenger side suspension area for a wee while now. The MOT for the car is due at the end of the month and so I decided it was about time to get it sorted!! :o

Took the car to a local garage yesterday and mechanic took it out for a test drive and got it up on the ramps. He diagnosed that it was the drivers side ball joint that was clunking and that both the front wishbones had 'considerable play'.

The clunking begins whenever I drive at low speed 15-30mph, mostly over an uneven road surface or potholes. It clunks slightly over speed bumps and occasionally at higher speeds too, but is most noticeable just on uneven road surfaces, at low speed.

I've replaced both the droplinks, something that I have been told is a very common fault, and also checked both the upper strut mounts, neither of which has considerable play compared to eachother.

I just found it strange that the mechanic thought that the problem was coming from the drivers side of the car, when the noise is clearly from the passenger side, and only clunks when the left wheel is going over uneven road. Also, if there was play in both of the front wishbones, surely there is meant to be some movement?? The garage quoted me £420 for the work, not money I want to pay out if it doesnt resolve the problem!!!

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated, or anyone else having the same problems??

Thanks, Andrew

The control arms have rubber bushing and they tend to wear and split.You should be able to look and see there condition .. When the control arms go the ball joints are not far behind. But with it being that passanger side more. I would look at the struts and spring seats. The seats are a week spot in the front end on these cars.. Pull the front tire and with a flash light look at the upper spring set and make sure its intact .Also take the cap off the strut from under the hood and use a Bit that's fits the top and try to turn the strut. It should have tension and resist the turn..If not the strut is gone.... Gl

I've had the same problem with my 2006 s40 t5 for months now. After $4,000 worth in repairs (struts, control arms, bearings, shocks, u-joints, pretty much a brand new front end) my problem remains.. I've done a little more research and it's possible the noise is coming from worn engine mounts which is a cheap and easy fix. I'd try that before dropping some serious cash.