Another front end suspension clunk

[1604169]

My 02 MDX with 184,000 km has the infamous suspension clunk when traveling over small bumps and slow speeds. It is not noticeable while turning, accelerating, braking, or at higher speeds. After hours of searching the web and this forum I think I have narrowed down the problem to 4 or 5 likely culprits.

1. Stabilizer bushings
2. Stabilizer end links
3. Tie rods
4. Lower control arms (i.e. compliance bushing, ball joints, control arm bushing)
5. Bad strut/ strut mount

I would prefer to diagnose the problem, rather than just throw parts at it. I can't detect any movement in the tie rods when trying to shake the wheel.

Where should I go from here?

[CODOG2]

good luck. I've read compliance bushings can also be the culprit. My 04 with 130k has had the clunk for a long time. I had the struts replaced and stabilizer links recently replaced and it did not go away. I tried to change the stabilizer bushings myself and unfortunately could only get one side done (rear ac line is in the way).

My 04 is starting to make a lot of strange noises (heat shield death rattle) and have learned to live with it.

[1604169]

It seems like a lot of people start with the stabilizer links, but it doesn't end up solving their "clunk" problem. Maybe its because these are the easiest to replace?

The compliance bushings are part of (pressed into) the lower control arm. Most people opt to change the whole control arm for convenience. This will probably be my last option since it's the most expensive and I can't see any significant tears in any of the bushings.

I read that removing the rear engine cradle bolts and dropping the engine cradle the necessary couple of inches is the easiest way to change out the drivers side stabilizer bushing.

[1604169]

So I bought the stabilizer bushings today since it was the cheapest solution (or least expensive error).

Any other thoughts out there on this? Should I have started somewhere else?

[browersandr]

I tried to change the stabilizer bushings myself and unfortunately could only get one side done

[94LS]

i have the same issue. changed the swaylinks and still the same thing. guys at honda say its the strut mounts.

[matt03acura]

I have this infamous clunk in the rear of my 03 that is working up to 148,000 miles. I also have the very annoying heat shield rattle. The clunk issue is exactly as describled, over small bumps at low speeds. Hollow sound and doesn't seem in any way to take away from the still good handling of the vehicle. Please report if a fix is found. Thanks...Matt

[CODOG2]

Originally Posted by 1604169

So I bought the stabilizer bushings today since it was the cheapest solution (or least expensive error).

Any other thoughts out there on this? Should I have started somewhere else?

not sure but you may not have a hard time changing the sway bar bushings. I believe only the 04+ have one side hard to get.

Good luck and let us know how it works out?