my Skoda Octavia NFL (2020-Present) steering makes a clunking noise over bumps what's wrong

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a level surface and secure it with wheel chocks.
• Disconnect the battery to ensure safety during repairs.

2. Inspect and Replace Steering Components

• Inspect Steering Linkage:
  • Remove any protective covers to access the steering components.
  • Check for wear or play in the tie rod ends and the steering rack.
• Replace Worn Components:
  • If any tie rod ends are worn, mark their position for alignment purposes, then remove them using a socket set.
  • Install new tie rod ends, ensuring they are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications (typically around 40-50 Nm).

3. Inspect and Replace Strut Mounts and Bushings

• Remove Front Struts:
  • Lift the front of the vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
  • Remove the wheel to access the strut assembly.
  • Disconnect the strut from the lower control arm and upper mount.
• Replace Strut Mounts:
  • Remove the upper strut mount using a socket set.
  • Install the new strut mount, tightening to specified torque (usually around 23-30 Nm).

4. Inspect and Replace Control Arms and Ball Joints

• Check Control Arm and Ball Joints:
  • Inspect the control arms for cracks or excessive wear.
  • Check ball joints for play and ensure they are not leaking grease.
• Replace if Necessary:
  • Remove the control arm bolts and disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
  • Install new control arms and ball joints, torquing to specifications (typically around 80-100 Nm for control arm bolts).