wierd clunking sound from front.. HELP!!

Hi all. I know your all going to say drop links change to me! I know this is the main cause for clunks and rattles front and back. the question is this. I have checked my drop links and they do have some play in them but when going over cobbled roads or really bad Edinburgh roads I get a hell of a noise coming from up front. what i'm finding is that if I apply some brakes then the noise goes away 90% leaving a relitivly quite ride. the only thing is i cant drive around with the brakes on! does anyone know what this might be or had the same? i've tried to check my pads for movement but they dont seam to move about. any info greatfull. Ta A Ps i'm replacing my proplinks is it worth upgrading to powerflex bnushes all round?

Check the antiroll bar bushes, antiroll bar links, lower wishbone, control arm, track rod ends, inner track rod ends (going into the steering rack) and the rack itself. They can cause similar sounds if worn or loose. Also check the brake pads and discs to make sure nothing is loose. Sometimes there is enough wear to cause the noise when you are driving but not enough to feel movement by hand, although what you describe, you should feel something if it is worn.

Thanks for the info mate. i've checked it all out when i had the car jacked up last weekend. the only bad things were the drop links but i just couldnt work out why the noise goes under braking.. the noise is very loud though and almost too loud to be the brake pads moving but of coarse it could be them.. I phoned up Porsche and spoke to a tech, he said it sounds like the links and said when you brake the car dips down and will put pressure on the links stopping the clunking sound... it looks like im going to replace the links and see what happens if that dont cure it then new pads it will have to be.. what do people think about replacing the bushes to powerflex ones? is it worth it? Cheers A

I too have got a knock coming from the front of my C2, but I'm starting to wonder if it is really a problem or just that all the bloomin cobbles in Edinburgh and the knackered state of the roads in general around the capital are just exaggerating it!! I've already had two pieces of underside trim come off thanks to ruddy great potholes in Leith Walk!!

C2 996 Facelift Similar Rattles Continue Atomicveilside I have similarly been trying to get to the bottom of a rattle up front as you describe for some considerable time now. I am hoping to establish exactly the issue before the wallet gets in on the act! I have had drop links, anti-roll bar bushings and top mount bushings all replaced. It is as you describe a definite rattle and not a creak which I understand is associated more with lower/upper control arms. My indie packed the steering gaiters with grease which solved the problem for a short time, which leads to the logical conclusion that the rack is most likely the culprit, and or its connecting inner outer track rod ends. The problem with most of these areas is the relationship with the component cost against labour. If you change out the steering track rod ends which are relatively cheap then you will still need a Geo as I understand it which adds a big whack on. So labour, parts and geo all add up, so my thoughts are to throw in the recon. rack to boot and put the whole thing to bed once and for all. Like you it drives me completely nuts and I dont feel so happy when driving ( this of course is a relative statement) As it is not life threatening I am monitoring it, just had new clutch and RMS done, so this months out! and need some new Pzeros next month! but we done 15K in her in the last 18months so no real complaints. M

Just a wild stab in the dark but what about your brake callipers. Perhaps worn or loose securing bolts. Are your discs securely fastened. Top Mounts perhaps. Just another place to look. :dont know:

on my c4s i also have a rattle it sounds plastic on plastic rather than metal on metal i does spoil the car to be honest. on bumpy rds its as if something is loose under the bonnet. i took out the spare etc .. made no difrence

Have you looked at your top mounts? Could be a worn bearing or even a loose damper.

If your drop links have ANY play in them whatsoever, change them. They will almost certainly rattle and if they don't rattle now, they soon will. Once you have eliminated that, you'll see if you need to delve further. An alternative way of eliminating them from the equation would be to disconnect them at the bottom temporarily and take it for a careful run down the road.

yes i just changed both drop links and mine still rattles, no obvious play in bushes/ arms. I guess I'll live with it. I noticed a slight rock when I push the tyre in the 3 and 9 oclock plane. I changed the track rod end but its still there, maybe its the rack?

It may be the joint at the other end of the track rod, where it goes into the end of the rack.

I have just done a wheel clean on mine and whilst it was parked up gabbed the front wheel and gave it a shove backwards and forwards, and the rattle is clear to hear. Tried this both sides and the same. Give it a go! It strikes me in my case it is steering related. I concur with everyone, change the cheap bits first and work your way forward. Regards M :?