Hi all,

Off late, I am hearing a clunk sound coming from the roof of my car, just somewhere near the sunroof, whenever I turn my car to left or right by 90 degrees.Basically it feels like whenever I take a steep turn, the shell twists giving a single "clunk" sound. After that no other noises come from the roof. The car has been well maintained and I dont see any rust anywhere. Is there something I need to check for? Can anyone help me diagnose/identify the issue?

~ Thanks in advance.
Praveen.

 

Any suggestions please? Its very consistent now (every time I turn the car), and is beginning to bother me about the structural integrity of the car

 

Hi!
I know the 2nd gen TL's have a problem with the sub-frame rusting. this could cause structural problems. BUTT, since I cannot inspect the vehicle from the internet, I'm only guessing.
and I dont think a rusting sub-frame would cause noises in the roof, but I could be wrong.

 

It could... the subframe acts as a critical component to the chassis stiffness. If it is now compromised, it may have effects on the top. Does your car have a sunroof? I wonder if that is moving around more than necessary.

Like spaceman said, it's hard to diagnose without seeing the car. If it happens that often, consider taking it to a dealership for their opinion. Shouldn't cost you much, if anything at all.

 

Go to the shop and do a ride along with a technician. You will get a much better diagnosis than here on internet. If it is the subframe then as Taco states due to its criticality of that component in structural integrity of the car I personally would not drive it until fixed. Dont screw around take it in and have it checked out if you are unable to do it.

 

Are you sure its from the roof area and not just sound transmitting from somewhere else sounding like its coming from there?

Do you get the sound just once? or every time you turn as described?

Does it make the sound with the moonroof in the open/retracted position?