Mazda RX-8 Clunking or knocking noise from wheels Inspection at your home or office.

How it's done:

Telling a mechanic about any unusual sensations, in addition to the clunking or knocking noise, you may have observed, will help him or her understand what went wrong with the vehicle.

The mechanic will begin by lifting the front of the vehicle off the ground and shaking the front tires to check for play. If there is play in the front tires, the mechanic will suspect bad ball joints. The mechanic will then remove the wheel and the control arm(s) in order to access the faulty ball joint. He or she will then remove the old ball joint and replace it with a new one. The mechanic should also ensure that the new ball joint is properly lubricated in order to ensure longer life.

If the mechanic suspects that the sway bar has gone bad, the mechanic will begin by examining the sway bar bushings. If the entire sway bar appears to be in tact the bushing may cause the clunking noise. The mechanic will then replace the bushings and the sway bar if necessary.

If the mechanic suspects the tie rods, he or she will examine the tie rods for damage. If the tie rod end had become worn or loose, the mechanic will remove it and replace it with a new one. The mechanic will also ensure after installation, that the new tie rod end is properly lubricated.

In all repairs, the mechanic will make sure after completing the necessary repairs that the car handles properly. He or she should ask to test drive the vehicle to ensure this.