Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Front end clunk

Hello folks,

I have noticed that there is a "clunk" sound when, after sitting in the garage for awhile, I crank the steering wheel to full lock, or close, as I start out of my parking slot.

Otherwise, steering feels fine. An experienced Morgan driver recently drove the car and noticed nothing amiss. An experienced Morgan mechanic adjusted the damper blade shims about 1500 miles ago while it was up for greasing of the KPs. I said nothing about the clunk at the time because he was doing me a kindness while we were on a 2,000 mile trip to California. I also did not think about it at the time. There seems to be no play in the KPs when the wheel, while up, is grabbed top and bottom.

After the clunk, usually within the first 20 feet of movement, I do not notice it again for the rest of the drive or day. I do believe I feel it in the steering wheel, not much though.

Any ideas or direction to look in?

Thanks, Skip, #12034

This car is a 1998, +8, 16,000+ miles, original suspension, blue springs, 205/60 VR15 tires.

I believe you have a sticking brake pad. Likely the edges of the pads need chamfering. I had a similar issue when the car was hot and chamfering solved it. The pads are slightly bigger than the disk and wear forms a ridge. Beware the anti-rattle springs - I had one break - replace wit new ones when putting the pads back!!!

Cheers!

I recently had the same on my Morgan. It happened just like you described.

It was cured by having the track-rod ends replaced.

Track end rods. Three years ago one of the tie rods was bent and subsequently replaced. The ends were not replaced. I will check the tie rod ends.

Thanks, Skip

Track rod ends?
Mine was the same but after a good greasing it stopped.
I noticed that one of the steering rods seemed to jerk during steering under load - noticed with wheels on the floor - but not when on axle stands. At the moment the greasing has worked so leaving it at that for now. There is no free play in the track rod joints so i think its a matter of slight "sticking" then releasing?

Before jacking the front end up today, I pulled in and out of my garage parking place repeatably, first left and then right. The sound only occurs on the left turn. Rather loud at almost full lock. It sometimes makes a lesser pop just as the turn is started too.

Once off the ground with suspension relaxed, no noise and smooth lock to lock turning. By hand, I could not feel any play in the tie rod ends nor see anything unusual.

Time for a professional to look at it.

Skip

Is it something like the grease nipple catching on the damper?
Or if you have damper blades it could be movement at the chassis end of the blade.

Dave,

I do not believe anything is catching on the damper blade. I have looked them over but will check again.

re Sospan's comment about greasing, do you mean after greasing the KPs or is there a way to grease the tie rod ends?

Thanks, Skip

Skip....
I have grease nipples on the steering rod ends.
one at steering box link - another at each end of the the steering rods connectin L to R.
Its these that seem to "stick" then free but ONLY when wheels are on the ground. By looking down through the wngine bay while moving the steering wheel the sudden jerk and assosciated clunk can be seen and heard
Again, there is no play in the joints themselves.I just keep them very well greased.
As DaveW suggests I also checked location of the damper blades and these are fine - in and out movement only - nothing lateral.

The Morgan component variable strikes again. No such grease nipples on my rig. I also just double checked my damper blades and they are clear.

The tie rod ends are still at the top of the suspect list though.

Thanks, Skip