Just purchased a 2005 Xf convertable with 45000 miles on it and on the way home I noticed that when I turn either left or right slowly and tight I hear a clunking sound. I've never experienced that sound before and was wondering if they all do that? Bought it from a Chevy dealer and the service dept suggested I take it to a Dodge dealer to have them look at it. Will do that but am looking for a little insight.

 

Sounds like the classic symptom of a bad CV joint. A bit low on the clock for that though.

 

Could be a bad steering damper...the OP doesn't say if the sound comes from the front or the back...

 

Can you tell if the "clunking" coming from the front or the rear?

 

The clunking is definitely coming from the front...had a buddy in the passenger seat and he felt it thru the floor. It only seems to happen when cold (and its hovering around zero right now) and once you've driven awhile I don't hear the sounds. And it only happens while turning slow and sharp.
Took it to a Dodge dealer today and they could not duplicate the problem and he said everything looks good.

 

I stand by my first diagnosis...the plastic underpanel has to come off to get to it, but the steering damper is probably the culprit...

 

Thanks lildaddym...I'll talk to the Dodge dealer tomorrow. He did say that the steering shock was leaking a little fluid...is that the part your talking about?

 

I would say that's the part...they're pretty expensive at the dealer, though. If you're at all mechanically inclined, get one for $20-$30 after shipping and install it yourself!

 

Thanks...I just ordered one online for 31.75 shipped. Hope that fixes it as I just purchased the Crossfire with no warranty/as and don't relish the idea of pouring alot of money into it so soon. I'm a marine mechanic so install is no problem.

 

It is BEHIND the engine pan, you do not need to remove it. You do however need to turn the wheels one way or the other to gain access to one of the bolts, can't remember which way.

 

Turn the wheel to the LEFT at least 1/2 turn on the steering wheel, maybe a bit more. Should have no troubles from there.

RL

 

You are right on both counts, sir! I believe it's turn the wheels left, but don't hold me to that...

 

I hate it when a link fails.

 

+1 to what he said .....

 

Correct! Hard to argue with that.

 

Sorry for that gibberish post. Still trying to figure out how to post a animated Gif

 

I've also got a clunking while turning tight, more so when backing up than going forward. It does seem to
lessen after the vehicle/tires warm up some and the temp here has been from negative numbers to the mid teens.
I changed the steering damper but still have the problem. Took the car to my mechanic and he said there was a
little play in the ball joints and control arm but he didn't think it was enough to cause this, of course this is the
first Crossfire he's worked on. I would say the best way to describe the feeling, is it is much like with my Jeep when
in 4 wheel drive and doing a tight slow turn on dry pavement there is that clunking and you can feel the grab
through the steering wheel. The car has Cooper Zeon 2x5 High performance tires 255/35 ZR19 rears and
225/40R18 fronts.

Any one have any thoughts on what I need to do? Hate to think by ignoring it I'm going to create a bigger problem.