Where is the problem when the four-wheel drive makes a clunking sound while turning?
2 Answers
The reasons for abnormal noises when a four-wheel-drive vehicle turns are as follows: Sounds coming from outside the vehicle: Lack of oil in the shock absorber's plain bearing: Open the hood and listen to see if the sound is coming from the top mount of the shock absorber. If the plain bearing of the shock absorber is making noise, you can apply some grease to the plain bearing. If the noise persists after greasing, it will need to be replaced. Loose stabilizer bar bushings: Check if the stabilizer bar bushings are loose or damaged. Loose or damaged stabilizer bar bushings will not only make noise when turning but also produce sounds when driving on uneven roads. Loose stabilizer bar bushings can be fixed by adding shims, but if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
I've driven quite a few 4WD vehicles and encountered clunking noises during turns, which usually indicates issues with the drivetrain. The most common cause is wear or damage to the differential, especially in 4WD vehicles where the differential gears can develop play during high-speed turns, resulting in abnormal noises. Loose universal joints on the driveshaft can also produce this sound—once the joint bearings wear out, they'll clunk under the load of turning. Additionally, aging wheel bearings or loose ball joints in the suspension arms can create similar noises, particularly noticeable during sharp turns. I recommend paying attention to these vulnerable components during routine vehicle inspections. If you hear such noises, take the vehicle to a professional shop immediately, as neglecting them could compromise steering safety and, in severe cases, even lead to differential lock-up or failure of the 4WD system.
