My '79 242 has a clunking every when I pass over uneven pavement, pot holes, bridge joints, etc, which I feel particularly coming from the front left/driver's side I've only had the car for a few months so I can't tell how long the problem has existed. My mechanic, who I feel is trustworthy, insists the front shocks are fine and that the problem is with the shock mounts, which have become damaged due to 23 years, though only 130,000 miles. For the car to ride quieter, I'll need to replace the shock mounting which would be a pricy operation.

My question is - am I damaging the car by not replacing the mountings anytime soon? Ohter than the clunking, she drives beautifully.
Will replacing the mounts make a significant difference, based on anyone else's clunking problems?

I am a true mechanical novice so I rely on the wisdom of wise Volvofiles.