"Clunk" sound when turning (especially left turns)...control arm bushings?

[G-Benz]

Not annoying but noticeable...wife says she feels the "clunk" as well as hears it from the passenger side footwell. Happens mostly from hard left turns (90 or more degrees)...

I did the wheel pull test when I did the brakes last month and there doesn't seem to be any play.

I know little about suspension components...where do I begin?

[David C Klasse]

Along with the clunks, I noticed an ever-worsening high speed stability problem... it felt much less stable on the FWY... harder to keep in your lane, etc.

[G-Benz]

Have you solved your problem yet? You never said what the cause was.

I don't have any stability problems except for a shimmy at moderate to high speeds. I attribute that to one of the wheels as rotating them increases or reduces the shimmy. Then again, maybe it is related...I have had the tires and wheels balanced three times since new, and the shimmy is still there...

[David C Klasse]

Yes, I had the lower control arm bushins replaced (were very worn) which increased high speed stability and cut down the POPs i was hearing. Then I had the front flex disc replaced which made my ACCELERATION RESISTANCE and other POPping go away.
But now when I go around turns and step on it, I get that stupid clunk again! I am going to take it back to the dealer to make sure that they installed the lower control arm bushings properly...

[400E]

G-Benz,
Which of your vehicles is doing this? If it's the 300E, I'd bet on the front sway bar bushings. Mine went out at 75,000 miles, which is typical, and I would be a "thunk" whenever hitting potholes or making sharp left turns. A cheap fix if that's it. Very common problem on the W124s, at least.

Check the tightness of lower control arm adjustment bolts.If they are not very tight the excentric can shift slightly on load changes.
I assume tires are not touching anywhere when wheel is full lock.
Also grease the steering stops.
MF

[G-Benz]

Yep, I'm referring to the W124 that has the problems.

Tires are stock size 205-16s...no performance or suspension mods...car is factory spec.

I might need to consult the manual to figure out where all this stuff is...

[400E]

If the 300E hasn't ever had its front sway bar bushings replaced, I'd start there. They often go out before 100k so you're due. Not an expensive fix, but easy to misdiagnose. (My dealer misdiagnosed mine as bad front shock tower bushings and wanted to replace 'em for $1000.)

[G-Benz]

Thanks all of you for your suggestions...I'll start poking around to see what I find.