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Had my 37 120 coupe convertible out for a 300 mile 3 day outing this past weekend and the front right corner developed a clunking/groaning sound only when I turned the steering wheel at slow/stopped speed. Seemed worse when I backed up. Any ideas before I start my search?

Thanks for any ideas,

Rod Smith, Reno NV

Front wheel bearing?

I agree...and surely you've checked to assure the lug bolts are tight.

Not very likely, but my 1940 did the same think upon turning left or right when I first started restoration. Previously had noticed the right fender had been repaired from some sort of collision in the past. I pulled the front drum and noticed it was just slightly rubbing at the top of the backing plate. Took a bright light and magnifying glass, noticed a very small hairline crack at base of wheel spindle, support. Pulled if off car, put it between centers and noticed the spindle was bent. This could have been very dangerous had the spindle broke when driving.

Thanks for the tips! I will begin looking into the problem this weekend.
Rod Smith, Reno NV

Well, it wasn't loose lug bolts or the wheel bearing! Will have to put it up on my lift and do some checking. Would the king pin cause a clunk if it is worn?
Rod Smith, Reno NV

Something again not very likely, but, it is possible the noise is coming from your steering box. Might be worn shims, or overly tightened adjusting screw. Again just a thought.

I guess the question for us in the audience is whether the noise is rotational and consistent, such as a wheel bearing, or a loose brake component, or situational, such as a jump in steering control after a bump, indicating a non-rotational component issue.

could king pins be bad?. jack up front wheel, grab wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and see if you can wiggle. Also eye for movement at end of shock absorber to wheel support. Very tough to tell, but you could also put your eyes on the lower inner suspension point, least likely failure of the above.

Steering box? Very possible - remove cover, 4 bolts, have someone rotate steering wheel and see if the "roller" moves smoothly, or if the bearings have failed (possible) the wheel will not react to movement consistently.

Keep us posted and we'll try to help.

DAF

Good thoughts! It does not happen while driving. It only pops/groans when starting up and turning the steering wheel. It may be more pronounced when backing up as out of a parking spot and turning the steering wheel.

Rod Smith, Reno NV