98 Mazda Protege 1.5 L clunking noise.

Tiny
HECTORSBUSY
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 140 MILES
I hit a pot hole and broke the drivers side cv axel. I replaced the axel with a new one and immediatly I hear a continuous clunking noise like the outer ball joint was hanging up. I returned the axel thinking it may be faulty and installed the new one and I am getting the same noise and it does not matter if I turn, speed up, slow down, or break. Lifted front end off ground put it in gear and could not hear the noise. Checked wheel bearings found nothing wrong, wheel rolls smoothely and bearings had been replaced recently. Do you have any suggestions on what could be causing this?
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 7:27 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Maybe strut damaged does noise increase with speed? More on rough road?
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
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All of the roads here are rough rite now due to ice so I am not sure about that but the noise sounds like the outer ball joint is hanging up when there is a load on it. I am affraid to drive it out of the neighborhood and only got up to about 15mph.
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
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It is like you can hear the ball joint working but it is real loud.
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
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I followed replacement instructions to the T and did not seperate the knukles on the shaft or let it sag when I installed it. There does not seem to be any hesitation when driving it and shifts gears smoothly. Checked to see if anything might be loose or rubbing on the axel but it is free from obstruction.
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
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Could lower control arm have bent binding bushing?
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
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Come to think about it when I replaced it the first time I drove the car about three miles to the house and reached speed of about 40 mph but it did not seem to matter with speed increase and steering wheel would shutter when the noise would happen.
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
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It is possible I guess that the control arm might be bent but if it is it is not a noticeable bend. All of the bushings seem to be in good shape and there is no unusual play in the sway brace or tie rods, and the A-arm looked to be in good condition. I do not have the car in front of me right now but I will check it and get back with you, due to time difference it will most likely be tomorrow when I have a response for that. Any suggestions on other things I might want to check when I get back to the car?
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
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Bounce front corner see if you can hear
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
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Already bounced front corner and no noise.
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
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Only happens when driving it.
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 8:52 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
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If control arm bent a little that would bind strut and/or bushing. Give it the eye also measure tire to fender distance compare to pass side
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 8:56 PM
Tiny
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Will do thanks for your help. I will get back to you when I find out more.
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 AT 9:14 PM

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