Front-End Clunk

[smartie]

I am experiencing a front-end suspension clunk when travelling at low speed over minor road imperfections. It feels like something is really loose, and seems to be on the driver's side. I do not notice the problem on big road bumps. I am going to call the dealer tomorrow. Anyone else experienced anything like this?

Update: it's in the steering rack, see later posts.

[LinuxGuy]

Yes, heard it as well! I have power steering do you?

[erikdfier]

The steering in my car thumps a few times whenever I begin to roll initially. It doesnt matter what surface. It only does it after coming out of park.

I cant tell what is normal or what could potentially be a problem with the Smart car based on its size and relatively odd power-train.

For example my smart Buzzes for about 30 seconds when starting a cold motor. Then the buzz shuts off and it seems like its supposed to be that way.

[the_dude]

Originally Posted by erikdfier

The steering in my car thumps a few times whenever I begin to roll initially. It doesnt matter what surface. It only does it after coming out of park.

I get the same thing. I wonder if it's power-steering related...but I have no idea.

[meaux61]

I feel things moving under my left foot as I first start to take off.
Is that what you mean?

Meaux?

[erikdfier]

Originally Posted by the_dude

I get the same thing. I wonder if it's power-steering related...but I have no idea.

Thinking the same, "power steering." Its consistent and probably by design and its hardly noticeable most of the time.

[erikdfier]

Originally Posted by meaux61

I feel things moving under my left foot as I first start to take off.
Is that what you mean?

Meaux?

Yep, it can be described like that.

[the_dude]

sounds like it is the power steering system spooling up once the car gets going, kind of like the equivalent of the vacuum pumps in the engine compartment that start on ignition. glad it's not just me though!

[SmartAzz]

Originally Posted by erikdfier

For example my smart Buzzes for about 30 seconds when starting a cold motor. Then the buzz shuts off and it seems like its supposed to be that way.

Same here, it is different but does seem normal.

As for the clunking I think what I might have is what meaux61 stated, 'moving under my left foot', and I probably have not been alarmed by it since every previous car has had rather stiff suspension and I am accustomed to feeling all sorts of feedback from that and even the ABS, so I haven't made a mental note of it in the Smart.

When I see the word clunking I think of a sound, which I have not noticed as described. If anything the one time I heard a clunk I was in reverse on and off the brakes on an incline.

[erikdfier]

Originally Posted by SmartAzz

Same here, it is different but does seem normal.

As for the clunking I think what I might have is what meaux61 stated, 'moving under my left foot', and I probably have been alarmed by it since every previous car has had rather stiff suspension and I am accustomed to feeling all sorts of feedback from that and even the ABS, so I haven't made a mental note of it in the Smart.

When I see the word clunking I think of a sound, which I have not noticed as described. If anything the one time I heard a clunk I was in reverse on and off the brakes on an incline.

Indeed, the sensation described is definitely not audible. Its a quick and faint bump,bump,bump felt through the steering wheel.