Today's noise from the 4.4 V8 petrol L322 is a 'clank' not a 'clunk' - the clank sounds like someone hitting an alloy wheel or a brake disc with a small hammer...?

When I am starting to move from a stand still there is a few clank sounds coming from what appears to be the rear. This happens when under drive also when it starts moving down a hill in neutral. It also makes the sound when slowing just before coming to a stop. It doesn't happen under any hard acceleration neither can I hear it again when rolling.

When driving it has no squeaks, vibrations, rumbles or anything - it is smooth apart from the 'clank'.

It appears to be coming from the rear offside wheel area. Initially I thought it may be brake calliper related so today I have raised each corner checked brakes and removed, greased and reseated all of the pads in the calipers - but still have the clank.

Things I have noticed. The upper hub ball joint has a slight bit of side to side movement when rocking the wheel - however it doesn't seem comparable with the type of sound - or has anyone experienced this?

The only other very, very slight movement is the smallest of play in the uj of the diff end of the rear off side drive shaft. Does anyone think this could be it???

Any ideas appreciated

So are you saying it only happens with a change in inertia?

Only the initial inertia whether driven or rolling in neutral then I can't hear it again when applying power after the initial sound.

So if you were to in short stop/go stop/go stop/go would you her clank/clank each time?

No it doesn't appear to do that - I've tried and can't make it respond like that

It is a shame they frown on duct taping small children to the rear bumper. Do you hear it more with windows open or closed?

I've had my lad hanging out of the rear window trying to locate it....can't really hear it that much with them closed

Then probably not something in the spare tire well knocking around. Exhaust tight? Had a Taurus that had flat springs keeping the brake pads from flopping. When I changed pads I didn't notice them so didn't put them on. Had an initial clink on some start ups and stops. As the breaks got hot it would stop. Drove me batty trying to find it. Described it t my mechanic and he immediately pointed to my error.
I'm going to mount my mini video recorder under the front end and drive to confirm endlink clunk. Got a clampable recorder?

Long shot but it sounds like the brake protector shield. They wear thru the bolt holes and start rubbing.

Checked the rear ones yesterday and everything else in sight for tightness and all appears ok. I haven't yet checked the front brake guards so will try them today

I would be looking at the play in the universal joint. Many years ago I had similar noises on a car and it turned out to be the needle roller bearings in the uj riding up on each other when under load and then making the clunking noise as tension was released. This is assuming they still use the similar Hardy Spicer joints. Agueroooooooooo. 93-20
I swear you will never see anything like this ever again....watch it..drink it in.

Finally sorted after another hour of searching. When lifting the wheel back on I noticed a rattle from within it. Just had the tyre removed and a pressure sensor was broken off and was rattling around inside it. The wheels are an after market used set so the sensors were for another vehicle. Can't believe it made this loud a noise that transmitted through the car.

Happy it is sorted and thanks for the suggestions guys

Great work. Your description of the noise made me think of something flopping about. I don't have tire pressure sensors. Would never have though of those.