2007 Kia Sedona EX, 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4 Ext, multiple NA Miatas
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I'm curious if this is a common issue with Sedona, or if anyone here can help me determine the source.
There is a clunk sound in the front suspension that is most noticeable on uneven residential road surfaces at around 25 MPH (but also noticeable at other speeds.) It does not seem to be getting worse over time, having been present for at least 10k miles. It isn't related to the wheels (recent tire service didn't change anything) and sounds like something is loose. I want to say it is on the left side, but it might be transmitted sound.
It sounds a lot like a problem I am familiar with on E30 BMW where the rear strut has a rubber bushing at the top that wears out. Perhaps this is similar at the top of the front strut on the Sedona? Are there any other bushings that might wear out and allow a little play somewhere? The sound does not seem to affect steering or handling in any way. However, having something sound loose like that is a bit unsettling.
This Sedona has about 84k miles and is otherwise in great condition. Thanks.
10 Optima LX, 12 Sedona LX
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The most common component to fail and cause the noise you are hearing would be the sway bar links. After that would be the control arm bushings(the front ones shaped like hockey pucks.
There are other things it could be but those 2 are the most common.
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I'm curious if this is a common issue with Sedona, or if anyone here can help me determine the source.
There is a clunk sound in the front suspension that is most noticeable on uneven residential road surfaces at around 25 MPH (but also noticeable at other speeds.) It does not seem to be getting worse over time, having been present for at least 10k miles. It isn't related to the wheels (recent tire service didn't change anything) and sounds like something is loose. I want to say it is on the left side, but it might be transmitted sound.
It sounds a lot like a problem I am familiar with on E30 BMW where the rear strut has a rubber bushing at the top that wears out. Perhaps this is similar at the top of the front strut on the Sedona? Are there any other bushings that might wear out and allow a little play somewhere? The sound does not seem to affect steering or handling in any way. However, having something sound loose like that is a bit unsettling.
This Sedona has about 84k miles and is otherwise in great condition. Thanks.
+ 1 for sway bar links as spongebob218 stated above.
Kudo's for you getting 84k miles on them. Most of what I've read they last about 20k miles... YMMV.
(I had the ones on the 2007 I'm taking care of replaced at around 48k miles... and that car was driven like a Rolls-Royce is usually driver. EG: Super Slow)
SYMPTOMS were IIRC:
Noise could be heard, primarily occurring over Cracked Parking lots / sunbaked pavement with (uneven) ripples /crackes in which swaybar link which ties both wheels together "works" the swaybar. Over dips in which both wheels are deflected no noise heard. Noise can be heard at very low (18mph) upwards to say 45-50mph, at that point diminishing) With this said road surface had alot to do with it.
If I had to bet on which one it was (but at 84k miles all bets are off and both should be replaced) Right side on a Left hand drive car (US spec) should go bad first.
(That and the right strut usually wears faster as it's the side that catches heck due to it being the side of the road which is most likely to be washed out /have potholes.)
PS: Some aftermarket units have a "lifetime" /longer warranty... There's a thread on that somewhere that gives mfg name /part number...
2016 FIAT 500X Trekking Plus AWD; 2016 Kia Forte5 SX 1.6T A/T
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could be both...
also, could be brakes.
to make sure - drive over the bump a few times. Remember when and how it sounds. Then, drive with two feet (I hope you do not do that for everyday driving) and while going over the bump gently apply brake pedal so that the pads are pushed against the rotor, but not slowing down too much, eventually add some gas at the same time.
Repeat a few times.
If the noise is gone - loose pads.
If is is there - look further.
The cheapest is to replace the links. 15-30 each. Two nuts, one hammer (if needed) and done. No alignment.
If not gone - probably struts, that, by the way, might need to be replaced soon... 84k miles it is a long drive for them.
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Wow, I am at 57,200 miles on mine and everything is original. I guess I may be ordering some new parts in the near future. My van doesn't make any odd noises but I have noticed the handling has gotten sloppy when cornering plus I had some very slight outside wear on the front tires. Is it possible for the suspension components to fail without being noisy or leaking in the case of shocks and struts?
2016 FIAT 500X Trekking Plus AWD; 2016 Kia Forte5 SX 1.6T A/T
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My van doesn't make any odd noises
or maybe you just got used to them...
Is it possible for the suspension components to fail without being noisy or leaking in the case of shocks and struts?
Struts do not have to leak - they wear internally. Besides, most of them are filled with gas, not oil so that it is not so easy to spot a leak.
If you experience more leaning, more floating/waving - that's shocks. If you had issues with stabilizer links - they would be noisy first, unless they are completely broken and fell off 
then you have this flimsy car.
Any excessive wear of tires - alignment. But wait with this until you get new shocks (if you are planning to do that soon) or when you get new tires (again, if anytime soon).
Otherwise, get it done anyway. You might notice overall improvement.
2007 Kia Sedona EX, 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4 Ext, multiple NA Miatas
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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
Thanks for the great advice! I will get under it and look ASAP.
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Thanks for the great advice! I will get under it and look ASAP.
Be sure to POST BACK in detail what the problem was, what you did to fix it, any "tips" that might be helpful and list the part numbers of parts you replaced!
Why?
Besides having the info on hand to tap for those cases you are dealing with a *incompetent dealer or shop a good percentage of the 2nd Generation Sedonas 2006,2007,2008 and soon the 2009's are "Out of the 5yr /60k mile Warranty"...
(All of the 2nd gen Sedona's sold under Hyundai nameplate "Hyundai Entourage" 2007-2008 are out of warranty)
No longer can people post "Hey take it to the dealer".
We need people posting back (in detail) info on xyz problem and what the fix was!
*Incompetent dealers.
You Kia guys are lucky for two reasons:
1: 2nd Gen Sedona production ran from 2006-2012... Something like 30k a year were sold IIRC.
2: Because of the numbers sold and they just recently stopped being sold Kia techs "see" Sedona's on a regular basis.
(Translation=Kia techs see enough Sedona's to remember xyz problem needs xyz fix and have done the "fix" enough to become proficient at it.)
The Hyundai Entourage on the other hand sold like 5k units the first year and 12k the next and that was it. (IIRC)
Double whammy to this the last year was 2008-9
What this means is "techs" that might have any "experience" are few and far between at a Hyundai dealer.
BTW:
Out of the (3) dealer service departments I interacted with - 2 screwed up everything they touched (literally)... the 3rd... the factory reps "go to" dealer...aware that the factory rep was watching them so to speak was pretty good (Although they messed up on some minor things)
So, REMEMBER to POST BACK!
.
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Thanks for the great advice! I will get under it and look ASAP.
BTW: For a quick test of the sway bar links being the cause of the noise... you could temporarily disconnect them.
(WARNING !!!!! Not recommended,unless you are going at low speed, with no traffic around.)
Oh, 84k miles... I would think the shocks are pretty tired (worn out)
Sedona is a heavy vehicle and I don't think Kia with their prices being several thousands dollars (15-20%?) less than competing brands are built to the same level.
BTW: When I used to work on high end European cars such a Porsche, BMW which used BOGE , BILSTEIN shocks .. those shocks which would just be getting "broken-in" at around 50-60k miles.
Of course you pay much much more for those cars.
(I remember the first time I saw a "Clutch Pack" out of a 1986 Hyundai.... Clutch was a dinky little thing...)
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2007 Kia Sedona EX, 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4 Ext, multiple NA Miatas
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Discussion Starter · #10 ·
I will post back, but it might be awhile before I can get to it.
Speaking of dealer service quality, I have not been impressed with my local dealer either. We bought this van with about 57k on the clock. Beforehand, we took it to an independent mechanic for a detailed pre-purchase inspection. Immediately after buying, we went to the dealer to have a few things taken care of under warranty.
Upon arriving home, it leaked oil on the garage floor! I brought it back and they corrected the problem. The explanation was vague, but it cost nothing and no longer leaked. I have not been back.
2007 Kia Sedona EX, 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4 Ext, multiple NA Miatas
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24 Posts
Discussion Starter · #11 ·
I promised to post back, and here I am, almost a year later. Life got in the way, but I finally got to this. Yes, the clunk has been happening the entire time, but hasn't gotten worse.
Here's the closing chapter:
Based on the advice here, I ordered the stabilizer bar bushings (Raybestos via Amazon, $9.66) and stabilizer bar links (Raybestos via Amazon, $25.50 each - this vehicle requires a right- and a left-side part).
With the wheel off, replacement of the link was relatively simple. The bottom end of both of the old links had a lot of play. It seemed very likely to be the cause of the clunk noise.
The bushings were another story. The bolts are in a pretty tight spot to begin with, and I couldn't get enough leverage to loosen them. Visually, the existing bushings looked fine. No visible wear or cracking, though I know that doesn't guarantee they're still good. I decided to forego the bushing replacement.
The fix was successful. No clunks or noises at all! The new stabilizer bar links were what the van needed. I will eventually get to the bushings when I have time to go over to a relative's shop who has a better set of tools for getting the bracket off. But it's more a preventative effort at this point, as the existing bushings seem to be doing their job.
Thanks again for the helpful, accurate advice here.
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I dont suppose you could post a link or part number for these parts please? Amazon uk dont list the same.
Thanks
Chris
2007 Kia Sedona EX, 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4 Ext, multiple NA Miatas
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Discussion Starter · #13 · (Edited)
Certainly. I wasn't sure whether forum rules permit Amazon links. I'll provide the brand and part numbers, which should be searchable there.
Raybestos 545-1769 Professional Grade Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link
Raybestos 545-1770 Professional Grade Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link
Raybestos 550-1648 Professional Grade Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing
For U.S. pricing, I see that these have actually dropped a few bucks in the past few days since I purchased, now totaling US$58.59.
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Just finished the sway bars, one thing that I found that you have to pry the stabilizer bar down. Prying the stabilizator bar down takes the tension off the bar.
2008 Hyundai Entourage (Kia Sedona) GLS
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Just finished the sway bars, one thing that I found that you have to pry the stabilizer bar down. Prying the stabilizator bar down takes the tension off the bar.
I have an 08 Entourage which is essentially the same. If you raise both front wheels and disconnect the upper links first. The sway bar will swing down to allow easy access to the lower link bolts. If one wheel is on the ground it will put a torsion into the bar which it is designed to resist when the vehicle is moving.
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I have an 08 Entourage which is essentially the same. If you raise both front wheels and disconnect the upper links first. The sway bar will swing down to allow easy access to the lower link bolts. If one wheel is on the ground it will put a torsion into the bar which it is designed to resist when the vehicle is moving.
I will follow your advice on my 06 Sedona when mine get here from RockAuto.
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Got the links from RockAuto. The old ones were pretty shot and had lots of play. I ordered the Beck Arnley ones and they fit like a glove. Best of all, no more clunking noise coming from the frontend on bumpy roads or speed humps.
Thanks for the help guys!
PS: I jacked up the entire front end to do the job, not just one wheel at a time.
2008 Hyundai Entourage (Kia Sedona) GLS
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Got the links from RockAuto. The old ones were pretty shot and had lots of play. I ordered the Beck Arnley ones and they fit like a glove. Best of all, no more clunking noise coming from the frontend on bumpy roads or speed humps.
Thanks for the help guys!
PS: I jacked up the entire front end to do the job, not just one wheel at a time.
Hi Drbagabundo, I too bought the Rock Auto Beck Arnley stabilzer links. Installed them with no problem. However less than a year later turning into a residential development at about 10 mph heard a loud bang. Upon inspection the lower stabilizer bar stub sheared in half. Seemed to have some rusting. I replaced both stabilizer links with Autozone brand stabilizer links that have a lifetime warranty. Hopefully the warranty is an indicator of reliability. I don't want these shearing when I'm traveling on the highway.
2008 Hyundai Entourage (Kia Sedona) GLS
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Hi Drbagabundo, I too bought the Rock Auto Beck Arnley stabilzer links. Installed them with no problem. However less than a year later turning into a residential development at about 10 mph heard a loud bang. Upon inspection the lower stabilizer bar stub sheared in half. Seemed to have some rusting. I replaced both stabilizer links with Autozone brand stabilizer links that have a lifetime warranty. Hopefully the warranty is an indicator of reliability. I don't want these shearing when I'm traveling on the highway.
Correction - lower stabilizer bar LINK stub sheared in half.
Posted by: ilanailanawinese0269907.blogspot.com
Source: https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/2007-sedona-front-suspension-clunk-noise.116978/
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