Clunk sound front passenger just past warranty!

It shouldn't happen unless you hit something, like a curb when you're parking.

 

You might have hit a speed bump, pothole, curb, or such. Something is probably broken and needs to be replaced. It could be as simple as a broken bolt.

 

Good luck and let us know. If you and your friend didn't notice anything obvious, it could be an expensive repair, but you need to do it. Here are some possible causes:

What causes a clunking noise when driving over bumps?—BG Automotive

 

Take a video of the noise, and post it.

Otherwise, best bet is a sway-bar bushing end-link.
Fwiw, bad sway-bar bushings, or end links, behave exactly as you've described.

Struts very rarely make noise when they go bad.
It could be a strut bushing plate up top.

Imho, I'd start by replacing all of the sway-bar bushings and end links.
They aren't "very expensive", and they are, by far, the most likely cause of the noise.
Also, they are "wear items". But, imho, in general for a Toyota, they should last at least 10 years and 100K miles.


Btw, if it was a POS GM car, I'd say the sway-bar may be cracked/broken.
Yea, apparently, making a sway-bar, is far past the ability of GM to do.


Good luck!

 

Had to replace both of those during the time I had the HHR. The end links are easy to replace, in that they are easy to get to. The bushings depend on whether other things are in the way.

 

I don't think CV joints have bushings, but bad CV joints make a periodic clunk–clunk–clunk–clunk noise when turning but not when going over a bump.

These are the Prius Prime suspension components.



FRONT SPRING & SHOCK ABSORBER. 2020 Toyota Prius Prime | Toyota

 

Nope, typically, a CV joint will make noise when turning in one direction only, and typically only around corners.

 

Things to check, in order (part#'s for one side, do both sides):
48820B
48811
48815D
48824A
48603


Then, for the lower control arm:
FRONT AXLE ARM & STEERING KNUCKLE. 2020 Toyota Prius Prime | Toyota

- Where the lower control arm mounts to the front subframe - look at both bolt/nuts and bushings.
- The bushing near bolt 48068M eventually tears, But, a Toyota will typically go well over 200K miles, with no problems at all, on the lower control arm.
- Ball joint

Good Luck.

 

Nobody's mentioned a possible ABS/VSC issue.

 

How would brakes lead to a clunk sound?

 

The “B” in ABS?

 

ABS and VSC are the computer controlling the brakes. I am unaware of an issue with the brakes that can lead to a clunk noise over bumps or when turning.

 

A very slight clearance or "tight but not quite tight enough" in any suspension bolt or bushing can make a noise like your head is in a bass drum. It can't be found by the usual methods of wiggling things. I agree with the thought of replacing the parts that are most likely and lowest cost. Also, check that everything is tightened to spec.

 

In a new car, it's probably a broken part like a bushing. I had the rear-toe-set-in cam bolt broke on my 1985 Corolla once when I hit a curb, and it would make a sound. The technician found it immediately. Some suggested the stabilizer-bar end links or bushings, but it could be the strut or spring mounts, steering parts, or pretty much anything. Have the dealer fix it.

 

Check that sway bar bushing and sway bar rod. Also retorque the top strut bolt(s) to the body.

Your steering geometry changes when the wheel is turned and it is bumping or rubbing against something. It's difficult to nail down on a lift, since you've taken all the weight off the suspension. If you know anyone with an oil change pit - you can watch the articulation as someone up top turns the wheel. This should also work on a wheel alignment rack. Local Les Schwab??

Hope this helps...