Thread: Strange clunking noise

So I was in the Grampians today and whilst driving on a dirt road I heard a noise which to me sounded like a stick caught near the wheel but after getting out and having a good look I couldn't find anything. I thought it may have just been a rock caught around the wheels somewhere, so I kept driving and after another few minutes heard a significant clunk.

I still couldn't see anything wrong so thought maybe the rock just dislodged itself. After another 10kms or so I noticed a significant clunking noise coming from the middle to rear of the car. I can only hear it when de-accelerating or holding a speed (as far as I can tell it disappers completely when accelerating). It is also fairly fast at 100kmh but slows down as I get slower. Having the clutch in or the car in neutral doesn't make a difference.

Any ideas would be great, I've had a quick visual search under the car and couldn't see anything major but will be doing a more thorough search tomorrow checking oil levels etc.

cheers.

The clunking you describe is quite often due to the big bush/joint on the A-frame failing. It gives you no warning and goes from fine to knackered in about 5km.

Every time the rear axle moves in a new direction it clunks at least once and if you brake on uneven road it sounds like the axle's falling off...