Front end clunk on low speed bumps (2000 Box S 105k on chassis)

[black_box]

Now that the misfire issue is cleared up, on to 2nd biggest problem: the car has an annoying "clunk" rattle sound coming from the driver's front side over low speed bumps / potholes. No play or noise in steering when pulling side to side on flat, but as soon as road gets bumpy (all the time in NY) the clunking starts. Has been this way since I bought it, and can't honestly say whether it's gotten worse, although I am getting more fed up with it, plus I want to eliminate any possible safety / handling dangers.

On visual inspection / poking around on the lift, nothing seems bent, cracked, or loose. What should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance!

[grtc68]

I would check the rubber pieces on your left-front control arm for any wear. Also check your left-front cv boots for any tears; if so, then the next thing is to see if the joint inside is FUBAR...may need to replace. Because you've had this problem since you bought the car, you don't know how long the part has failed or been damaged - this could result in other problems popping up if you don't fix right away...it gets more expensive the longer you wait that is.

[estrella del sur]

Since it is a 986 and not a Cayenne, there are no CV joints at the front that could cause a clunking noise. However, if nothing seems loose, the control arm bushings are a good suggestion. Another possibility is the front left strut - are there any signs of leakage?

[black_box]

I got under there yesterday with a crowbar and started applying force to different suspension components. My driver's side stabilizer droplink made a distinct creaking / popping sound when displaced, whereas the passenger side did not. It is my prime suspect.

I ordered a set of front droplinks from Rockauto and will install this Fri/Sat. I'll post results here.

[black_box]

Droplinks fixed it, although my left side camber may now be a little off....