After searching this thread for the word "clunking" and reading a number of threads, I decided to weigh on as it seems to be a common concern here.

My base 2008 TL has been making a clunking sound from the front passenger side over bumps/uneven pavement since I bought it three months ago... annoying enough that I took it in to the dealer this morning and was told that it needed a new strut. The sound was like popcorn popping (a description that I lifted from this forum -- thanks to whoever provided that).

I have an appointment for this Thursday morning to have the work done. I'll be sure to post an update afterwards. I at least hope that this helps someone who might be having the same problem.

The car is a CPO so the work will be done under warranty. Still, it's been such an awesome and enjoyable car that I can't wait to (hopefully) be rid of this one and only annoyance (other than rattles due to my not clipping the visor firmly back in place -- doh)!

 

i personally think (from some other aftermarket coil over clunk issues in various cars) that clunk has no adverse effect on performance. (provided the shock absorber isn't worn out)

neither does the type S driver side rear suspension clunk.
it's just annoying a bit.

PS i hate people who refer to coilover'd shock absorber assembly on a double wishbone and/or multilink a "strut". makes me not wanna go to that dealer

 

Quick update -- picked the car up at the dealer a few hours ago. The work order indicated that the "right front strut" was "leaking" -- this was replaced under CPO warranty and the clunking/popcorn popping noise is GONE and the car is now perfect and rattle free.

 

Glad you got the issue taken care of!

Strut, shock.. who gives a shit. We all know what the person is talking about.

 

Glad you were able to find the issue, I’ll have to look into this a bit more. Thanks