Clunking sound front end.

[MrMOB_D4]

So I recently purchased a 2011 lr4, 115K miles. Has flawless service record runs great etc. About a week after purchase i noticed a clunking noise when making a left turn from a stop. It sounded bad, like real bad to the point where i had to pull over and visibly inspect the underside of the vehicle, not only did i hear it, i felt it. Slowly pulled off and babied it home. It didn't happen again until a few days later, i can say its only happened a handful of times but everytime it happens its cringeworthy. I was told bushings by somebody but i could only describe it to them, they didn't hear the sound themselves (thats not so say I'm replacing all bushings anyways-vibration at highway speed in the steering wheel/high mileage). So thats one thing that i think may be linked to the next problem.

I was recently in stop and go traffic on the interstate and noticed a lag and little bit of a clunk when taking off and stoping. Pretty sure it was 1st-2nd gear shifts only and back from 2nd-1st as i only got up to ab 10 mph. So i would take of from a dead stop, start coasting and then slowly apply more gas -small lag until engaged-clunk when engaging-then acceleration. This is a "replay" of what i experienced. I went into command shift and had no issue whatsoever.

Anyways i am planning on putting money into my lr4 for off-roading/road trips etc. I want to make sure its running 100% before i sink thousands into it. No i have not had it checked, i do plan on it first thing when i get home (i work in alaska)full head to toe inspection. I spoke with a local specialist and he said front drive shaft/ transfer case. If i had to guess the front drive shaft is probably where i would start.

Anyways not trying to solve this as i will be taking it to a specialist when i get home, just wondering if anyone else has had the same issue/repair done. any insight or feedback would be much appreciated.

This is my first post to this forum, but i have been reading a lot of the threads on here and have to say the wealth of knowledge is great. Found a few threads on clunking noises but i don't think its the same issue.

 

[PaulLR3]

Welcome MrMOB_D4! I bet that clunking is the control arm bushings. Very common issue with these heavy vehicles. Most of us have replaced the entire control arm (including ball joints) and bushings by 80K miles. We have not seen many drive shaft issues.

That low speed transmission issue may be normal. We had the same HP26 transmission in our Q7, LR3 & now LR4s. If you do a rolling stop or just about stop then accelerate you catch it between a 2nd gear to 1st gear downshift and there is a slight lag. Better off coming to a complete stop if possible. I remember Q7 forum members thought this was such a huge safety issue that they tried to start a class action lawsuit against Audi. It's really just something to keep in mind if you are slowing to a stop then attempt to accelerate quickly.

 

[MrMOB_D4]

Welcome MrMOB_D4! I bet that clunking is the control arm bushings. Very common issue with these heavy vehicles. Most of us have replaced the entire control arm (including ball joints) and bushings by 80K miles. We have not seen many drive shaft issues.

That low speed transmission issue may be normal. We had the same HP26 transmission in our Q7, LR3 & now LR4s. If you do a rolling stop or just about stop then accelerate you catch it between a 2nd gear to 1st gear downshift and there is a slight lag. Better off coming to a complete stop if possible. I remember Q7 forum members thought this was such a huge safety issue that they tried to start a class action lawsuit against Audi. It's really just something to keep in mind if you are slowing to a stop then attempt to accelerate quickly.

Thanks for the quick reply! I hope you’re right and it’s not the driveshaft. I plan doing all the bushing, switching to poly. I’ve heard they wear out in high miles.

 

[cperez]

Thanks for the quick reply! I hope you’re right and it’s not the driveshaft. I plan doing all the bushing, switching to poly. I’ve heard they wear out in high miles.

Most of us just replace the entire assembly for a few reasons. One, the poly bushings are consistently described as giving a much stiffer ride than the fluid-filled OEM bushings. Second, the labor to remove the lower control arms is nearly the same as what is required to replace them with new ones (and oftentimes they have to be torched out and can't be reused anyway). Finally, replacing them gives you a new ball joint which is also a potential wear item. In the end, it's very nearly a wash. Something to consider. And welcome to the group!

 

[MrMOB_D4]

Most of us just replace the entire assembly for a few reasons. One, the poly bushings are consistently described as giving a much stiffer ride than the fluid-filled OEM bushings. Second, the labor to remove the lower control arms is nearly the same as what is required to replace them with new ones (and oftentimes they have to be torched out and can't be reused anyway). Finally, replacing them gives you a new ball joint which is also a potential wear item. In the end, it's very nearly a wash. Something to consider. And welcome to the group!

I definitely plan on replacing the bushings but now that you mention it the lower control arms don’t sound like a bad idea. Found them on Atlantic British for a reasonable price already fitted with the “semi firm” poly bushings. This hopefully will solve the problem.

 

[cperez]

youtube's uncanny "suggested videos" algorithm just recommended this entertaining video. Granted it is focused on rear control arms for an LR3, but I am enjoying it. Check out the animation at the opening...

 

[RoverGhost]

I have switched to the poly bushes on my LR3 when I had it at 75k. Never touched them again and were still good at 200k when I sold it. I did them on my RRS as it reached 65k you can get the poly bushes in 3 different hardness choices. Red is hard Orange is med and Blue is softest(stock). I went with orange and the RRS handles nicer and a bit firmer but not too firm.

Welcome to the boat and enjoy the LR its a great machine.

 

[Fuji4]

Welcome MrMOB_D4! I bet that clunking is the control arm bushings. Very common issue with these heavy vehicles. Most of us have replaced the entire control arm (including ball joints) and bushings by 80K miles. We have not seen many drive shaft issues.

That low speed transmission issue may be normal. We had the same HP26 transmission in our Q7, LR3 & now LR4s. If you do a rolling stop or just about stop then accelerate you catch it between a 2nd gear to 1st gear downshift and there is a slight lag. Better off coming to a complete stop if possible. I remember Q7 forum members thought this was such a huge safety issue that they tried to start a class action lawsuit against Audi. It's really just something to keep in mind if you are slowing to a stop then attempt to accelerate quickly.

yeah, that.