Sean

Did you ever find the source of the noise?

did you replace your front struts?

thx

 

Hey Dan. The problem was definitely my steering rack. Noises has gotten worse and more frequent during the last couple weeks. I would even get an occasional cracking sound from any vibration like a pothole or when turning the engine over, not just when turning. Got the car off the ground and my passenger side front tire had over an inch of side to side play in it. Outer tie rods had no movement but the inner tie rod was clunking with the tire movement. I could see it move through a tear in my boot. Stuts are newish so knew they weren't the source of the sound. Had it in the shop yesterday to get a remanufactured rack and no more noises. I didn't realize how sloppy and loose my steering had gotten over time too. The new rack cleaned that up and it feels much more responsive now. Hopefully your problem isn't the rack though, it's not cheap to have replaced. I also don't think its critical to have replaced right away if it is the culprit. I let mine go for about 6 months before discovering the real issue and addressing it. Just expect noises and steering feel to get worse. Let me know how it goes chasing down your noise.

 

Hey sean. Glad u got that figured out. My mechanic thinks it’s my front left spring as the noise is always from the driver side. my steering feels completely normal. When I had my struts changed I kept the old springs. Hopefully that is the issue. With these old vehicles must keep fixing things.I already have dumped well over two grand but I love my Monty and used cars are so pricey.thanx for the update!

 

Hello,
I am hoping someone can help me figure out the issues with my 2006 Montero 4x4 with 160k miles. Have owned it a few months and within the last week I have noticed totally random grinding in R front at low speeds of around 20 mph. Nothing at high speed. No turning involved. I slow down and pull over and at about 3-5 mph a loud clunk and problem goes away. Happens 0-4x per day. Have taken it to two mechanics (including Mitsubishi dealer in La Paz, BCS) who say everything checks out fine, yet problem persists. They even drove it, heard the problem, but say everything looks/works well. If I know a “most likely” cause I can start by replacing those parts. Or, do I just need to keep trying more mechanics? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Josdc

 

So I’m curious. Would a bad front axle cause the clunking noise?

also, I have more front end road noise then in the past. At first I thought it was from the tires, but could a messed up front axle cause more road noise?

thank you

 

Check the brake shield on that side. One of the bolts may have come loose or rust has eaten it away. I had a similar issue on my sport. Also check the calipers and pads while you're there, it sounds like something is loose regardless. It is also possible that the clunk and grinding noises you are experiencing are two separate issues that happen to coincide. The first thing that comes to mind about that loud clunk on slow down makes me think the transmission mounts or driveshaft carrier bearing may be going out. Good luck, finding the source of these noises can be tricky. Also keep in mind that sounds can travel oddly, the source may not be around where you hear it. Sound(s) can easily echo through the transmission tunnel to the front of the vehicle for example. Just some food for thought, I hope you find it.

 

Thanks for the input and ideas. Unfortunately, I have only a general understanding of cars. I am not a mechanic and don't do my own work. That is the real frustrating thing because two mechanics have said everything is "good" even though they drove the car and heard the noise. I told them to check "everything" but am wondering if they actually did, or maybe just gave up when there was no obvious, easy to find problem. I wish it would have happened here in the U.S. where my options for a mechanic are much broader. It happened on our way down to La Paz, Mexico where the car will remain. I will definitely note your suggestions and thoughts and convey those to whomever we have look at it in the future. Thanks!