New to this forum and to Porsche ownership. Have 1999 996 with 48K. After going on road with some unevenness, I notice the front end making a clunking sound like something is loose. When I stop and push down on the front end I can replicate the sound. But after letting things cool down (1 hr. or so), no sound at all. I drive the car and no sound. Put it up on the rack and everything is tight but there is a little play on the wheels indicating maybe the struts are the problem. But only when hot?? Would appreciate any ideas.


Thanks,
Bob

 

IMO, if you can replicate the sound by pushing down on the front end then it sounds like it could be the top strut mount, but something is loose so check the sway bars as well. Is there any play in the wheel? Also check the ball joints.

 

+1 check ball joints. Good luck.

 

Try to isolate the source. Get your ear right down there and have someone bounce the car.

Sound will resonate through the metal so the source can be challenging to identify. Move around and listen close. Put your hand on suspect parts to see if the sound changes (the hand will dampen vibration).

If you can narrow your search to a general area, the diagnosis will be much easier

 

Will bouncing by hand even be enough to replicate some of the actual loads that would create the sound? Worth trying but it needs service anyway.

 

Thanks guys. I had it put up on the rack and the mechanic checked everything. It's all tight except some play in the wheels which he says should not be. The puzzle is at that time it wasn't making any noise to try to locate. The noise only happens after the front end is given a bit of a workout on an uneven or curvey road. Is there oil in the struts that could heat up causing a noise then when it cools down, no noise???

 

Play one way = Ball Joint
Play both (2 way) way = bearing