Wheel Clunking Over Bumps? How to Diagnose Front End and Ball Joints!

Got clunking or rattling noises coming from a wheel, especially when going over bumps? Check out this video, and Andy will show you how to check it out, and find the problem!

Here's the ball joint video he mentioned:

Check out this list for more diagnostic tips!

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[sepperso]

you told us to check things.... but never said what it looks/sounds like if it's bad.... are we supposed to guess?

[Nuxalkman]

I heard a clunking noise and never would have known it was my ball joint until I recently put my car in the shop to do my inner tie rod, mechanic is good and told me what was going on.

[purduephotog]

Actually, couldn't hear it over the music- but I know that's hard to catch. Would love to have a second take with a closer mic sometime for some of these sounds. Thank you, this was great to learn from.

[rafaelmarin]

When possible, it’s good to replace steering/suspension components in pairs. That’s why I love 1Aauto kits.

[dockilat]

everybody is commenting on how come you did not let us hear the sounds of the possible causes. instead you give us music sounds . we just wanted to know thats why we clicked.

[boots]

Would really be nice if you are making these video's anyways, to get some good footage/audio of actual problematic issues. I know what a bad ball joint sounds like, however from this video you were in the vehicle and could have found some bumps to give the viewer something to go by.
Great video's usually, however some of them really skip over the very basics that beginners and home DIY'ers need.

[briancarlisi]

It would be good to see a follow up vid on this ball joint replacement.

[camaro]

It's great to hear all of the music and talking when we are trying to hear the noise. Do you turn the radio all the way up when you are trying to listen to a car while driving to?

[brandonpowell]

Can bad ball joints cause uneven tire wear like the outside of the tire

[dianelarpenteur]

Yes it would be nice to hear the sound it would make. Us ladies tell our husbands I hear a noise and would like to have that duplicate it for them if possible.

[ginormous]

Is it safe to drive my vehicle with that sound?
That knocking sound seems to be coming from the passenger side on my 2003 Ford Escape.
Obviously I’ll have a professional mechanic diagnose the problem but impossible at the moment.
Thanks for the video 👍

[cowboyed]

2002 f150 original owner. I did shocks first.. Had mechanic replace all of front end.. in/out tie rods, center link everything but lower arms. Fixed 80% of issues but still having something loose rattling over bumps RF tire. No phone call today for estimate, wife/secretary said it's not the wheel bearings..that he's still looking. I'm wondering what it might be..

[SuttonSantiniPaulo]

Im having a knocking/clunking sound that only starts up after about 15-20 mins of driving. Checked the cv axle and joints, sway bar link and even the transmission to see wtf is causing it and no luck. And it doesn’t matter if I’m turning or going straight, flat surface or bumps it will make the noise.

[MelvynBlanks]

Had a ticking noise on the front nearside checked the dustcover on brakes wasn't that, had the noise for months, cause was so simple, it was a loose lead balance weight on the wheel, so tightened the balance weight with a pliers so simple

[michiganporter]

Most parts I look up on a1 auto are not avaliable....

[criartoros]

My car has this clunking noise. Ford Focus, been lay on my front driveway for a year. Didnt have any problem when I parked it up a year ago, took it for a drive for the 1st time & have this loud clunking noise. Mostly when I turn left or right. No noise when driving straight. Could it be the ball joints?

[eurosonly]

I've just had my suspension replaced with all the other related parts and it still clunkw when going over bumpy road surfaces. I'm thinking it could be a loose fender or the a bolt at the very top of the strut. But if the struts and shocks are all new it'd be a hell of a coincidence. Or it could also be a loose turn signal or radiator. The alignment was and is still off and the wheel is jerky to turn and is more difficult than usual. Or sometimes, it's too easy to turn. Steering fluid is all good.

[DADADA]

Minor nitpick, whenever they put special menu osts, they really meed to keep it going on the summon screen

[christopherd]

I have an 18 F150 and is banging or passenger side tire when I go over bumps. If I apply my brake and go over bumps it won’t make the noise. Would this be my ball joint or brake related if you were to guess
I just had new rotors and pads out on a few days before this started happening. Ty