2016 Steering wheel clunk from road imperfections

[jjvd21]

Hello, I purchased a 2016 LR4 in October and I’m getting a clunk from the steering wheel when driving over road imperfections. It’s almost as if it’s being transferred right into the steering wheel, albeit softer. I’ve owned an LR3 for 15 years and have never experienced this. I figured I’d post to see if anyone has an idea to the cause or solution.

 

[Michael Gain]

It could be quite a few things. Lower control arms to start (does it clunk when going over speed bumps). But if we trace it: out tie rods, inner tie rods, steering rack, steering rack pinion, lower steering shaft.

It may also be normal depending on severity. The lr4's suspension has a tighter feel to it than the LR3 that you are used to. So, you would feel the road imperfections a little more.

 

[ktm525]

Start outside in. If you are lucky it is the outer tie rods.

 

[ryanjl]

It could be quite a few things. Lower control arms to start (does it clunk when going over speed bumps). But if we trace it: out tie rods, inner tie rods, steering rack, steering rack pinion, lower steering shaft.

It may also be normal depending on severity. The lr4's suspension has a tighter feel to it than the LR3 that you are used to. So, you would feel the road imperfections a little more.

To add to this, it could be sway bar bushings, sway bar links, or ball joints (which are included in the lower control arm bushings).

 

[jjvd21]

I replaced the front lower control arms, ball joints, and sway bar bushings when I purchased the vehicle. The clunk or transfer I’m getting doesn’t feel suspension related, I’d describe it almost like the steering shaft has play in it and when you hit a bump it’s transferred up to the steering wheel (if that makes sense).

 

[Michael Gain]

I replaced the front lower control arms, ball joints, and sway bar bushings when I purchased the vehicle. The clunk or transfer I’m getting doesn’t feel suspension related, I’d describe it almost like the steering shaft has play in it and when you hit a bump it’s transferred up to the steering wheel (if that makes sense).

It does. I think earlier models of the lr4, and the lr3, needed replacement of the lower steering shaft over time. Something to do with the ujoint binding and then loosening.

If I remember right, there was a TSB on it if you Google "lr4 lower steering shaft replacement"

 

[Michael Gain]

I would still follow my and @ktm525 advice and check the outer tie rods first.

 

[DaytonaRS7]

somehow the lr4 manages to transmit sounds to areas you'd least expect.

completely unrelated to your issue, but proving the above statement.

1. I replaced my rear swaybar end links. about 3 weeks after replacement i heard a rattle from the rear and a clunk in the front. either i didn't tighten one all the way, or it loosened. the sway bar link was very much loose and was rattling around the hole in the end of the way bar. i tightened it, which also solved the front end clunk.

2. These cars have a tendency to have a steering wheel "whine" when turning the wheel. sounds like its in the car, directly behind the steering wheel. ends up that this is typical of a failing steering rack or needing change of PS fluid. There is no apparent sound outside the car. amazing how the sound transmits from the rack, all the way up the column and sounds like its right in front of you.

 

[zenexrius]

Hello, I purchased a 2016 LR4 in October and I’m getting a clunk from the steering wheel when driving over road imperfections. It’s almost as if it’s being transferred right into the steering wheel, albeit softer. I’ve owned an LR3 for 15 years and have never experienced this. I figured I’d post to see if anyone has an idea to the cause or solution.

It's been a while but wanted to check if you had resolved this @jjvd21? I have the same issue, albeit intermittent, and often when turning.