Pop! What'd I Break?
 

In the spring when I was changing over to my summer tires I had my wagon jacked up replacing the drivers side rear. As it went up (and correspondingly put pressure on the front end) I heard a distinct "Pop" almost like metal snapping from the drivers side front. Immediately after (and still today) there is a soft clunking noise when I go over slight bumps. Nothing major and it's not setting any worse. And the noise doesn't seem to be coming from the struts. The front end doesn't bounce, it doesn't bottom out adn it doesn't handle any differently. Thoughts? Control arm? Strut mounts? Bushings?

Anything I can check without the benefit of a lift?

TIA - I'll be changing back over to the winters soon as the MXVs are starting to finally wear out.

Scott
Liftless in MD

It will probably help to know what car it is unless experts can deduce it from your name. In my experience when I jack up one wheel, the other wheel on that side goes UP not down. Anyway, usually front end parts can be inspected without a lift. You just drive up on ramps or just drive up on a 2x10 if you just need a little room, and look around with a flashlight. Could be a shock bushing but that is just a guess.

Sounds like a broken sway bar bracket to me. :cool:

No, when use use the jackpoint only the wheel nearest the jackpoint goes up and there is definitely downward pressure on the other wheel on that side.

And yes it's a 94 E320 wagon.

+1
Mine was broken when I got the car. It definately affects the handling.