This is topic Clunk/noise in front end in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://californiafords.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=026707
Posted by KCmustangboy (Member # 1927) on :
 
I replaced all the shocks and struts in the car. Put in lowering springs. Added subframe connectors... I still feel like I have a clunk noise, sometimes in the front end? I checked bushings... Don't see anything... Any ideas what this could be? I notice it more I think on the left wheel when it hits a quick/small bump. But only sometimes... Pain in the ass! Just want to try and find it! Want to have a good solid front end, noise free.
 
Posted by Smoked50 (Member # 9592) on :
 
Take it to Les Schwab they'll put it up on a lift for you and check it out for free if it has to do with your suspension/tires they'll find the problem.
 
Posted by jmcclesk (Member # 1355) on :
 
check the inner and outer tie rod ends
 
Posted by Greasy (Member # 5258) on :
 
Hit the top strut nut with an impact (tighten) when the vehicle is on the ground.
 
Posted by KCmustangboy (Member # 1927) on :
 
I just had it aligned but I'll try taking it back to them. And that other stuff.
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
could be a ball joint / tie-rod end / swaybar endlink/bushing / loose strut bolt / loose brake caliper bolt.

best thing would be jack it up and shake the tire while holding at different angles, then use a long pry bar on tie-rods / spindle / swaybar and see if anything moves that shouldn't.
 
Posted by [SHO]TIME (Member # 8962) on :
 
It's more then likely a CV joint I've replaced tons of these on these fox body cars they always go bad. tell you what I can fix it for you for a very fair price.
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by [SHO]TIME:
It's more then likely a CV joint I've replaced tons of these on these fox body cars they always go bad. tell you what I can fix it for you for a very fair price.
I'm not sure what you are meaning to say (balljoint?) but a CV joint is on fwd/awd cars and trucks...not mustangs unless they have IRS, and then only in the rear, lol.

-

(Constant Velocity)
 
Posted by KCmustangboy (Member # 1927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by [SHO]TIME:
It's more then likely a CV joint I've replaced tons of these on these fox body cars they always go bad. tell you what I can fix it for you for a very fair price.
Or maybe the transfer case is going bad. The 4 wheel drive seems to be slipping a little. ha
 
Posted by [SHO]TIME (Member # 8962) on :
 
You really also should have your muffler bearings checked out These do go bad!
 
Posted by fredfifty (Member # 10320) on :
 
check your ball joints for play between the spindle and control arm
 
Posted by KCmustangboy (Member # 1927) on :
 
Tire place say the Strut bolts are loose... They do NOT seem loose. But I guess I will get the impact gun out and see what I can do.
 
Posted by omarquez510 (Member # 11233) on :
 
They probably mean the top nut. Hit those with the impact gun. [patriot]
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by KCmustangboy:
Tire place say the Strut bolts are loose... They do NOT seem loose. But I guess I will get the impact gun out and see what I can do.
if the strut is still loose with the strut nuts all snugged down and can't be tightened anymore because they are bottomed out, you likely have an incorrect amount or placement of spacers on the top of the strut if you are using c/c plates.

[ May 03, 2012, 12:07 PM: Message edited by: Blind ]
 
Posted by KCmustangboy (Member # 1927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by omarquez510:
They probably mean the top nut. Hit those with the impact gun. [patriot]
I believe this is the problem, but the top nut is tight. It is isn't bottoming out, The threads are just barely at the top of the nut. But when I try and hold the strut still with vise grips or anything I can't tighten the bolt any more. And if I use the impact gun, the whole thing just spins. Any ideas? The nuts don't seem loose but thats what the tire shop said...
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by KCmustangboy:
quote:
Originally posted by omarquez510:
They probably mean the top nut. Hit those with the impact gun. [patriot]
I believe this is the problem, but the top nut is tight. It is isn't bottoming out, The threads are just barely at the top of the nut. But when I try and hold the strut still with vise grips or anything I can't tighten the bolt any more. And if I use the impact gun, the whole thing just spins. Any ideas? The nuts don't seem loose but thats what the tire shop said...
put a jack under that control arm to put more weight on that strut, if the strut is spinning it is SUPER loose.

I would back the nut off and check the threads, they might be fucked up and need a clean with a tap/die.

[ May 03, 2012, 12:31 PM: Message edited by: Blind ]
 
Posted by KCmustangboy (Member # 1927) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Blind:
quote:
Originally posted by KCmustangboy:
Tire place say the Strut bolts are loose... They do NOT seem loose. But I guess I will get the impact gun out and see what I can do.
if the strut is still loose with the strut nuts all snugged down and can't be tightened anymore because they are bottomed out, you likely have an incorrect amount or placement of spacers on the top of the strut if you are using c/c plates.
I do recall a small spacer on the underside of the plate I think??? maybe that shouldn't be in there? I still have stock caster/camber plates.
 
Posted by Jaejae5.0 (Member # 7958) on :
 
I've been havin the same prob..when I turn the wheel or go over speedbunps..binding/popping noise
 
Posted by fast305s (Member # 11897) on :
 
Check the front lower A arm bushings
 
Posted by Duncan Motors (Member # 7045) on :
 
blind is one smart mofo!
 
Posted by fast305s (Member # 11897) on :
 
Also check an make sure the strut bolt hole isn't wallered out, if it was loose enough to move around you mighta ovaled the hole out a little.
 
Posted by KCmustangboy (Member # 1927) on :
 
Update: I took out the small gold space that came with the new struts, and I didn't need to use it so I think this will help. Also I tighten up the sway bar end links a lot. They seemed way to loose, Because I lowered the car do I need to get different (shorter) end links for my sway bar? Also How much play should be in the front control arms. By that I mean if I jack the car up, How far should the wheel drop down? Mine barely moves at all. I used jack stands and put a jack under the control arm to put presser on it while I did all the work, however it really only moved maybe half an inch before started lifting the car off the jack stands. Could I have over tightened my control arm bushing bolts? Should there be more play in the control arm? Thanks

[ May 08, 2012, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: KCmustangboy ]
 
Posted by KCmustangboy (Member # 1927) on :
 
Also I noticed this on the passenger side. I am guessing it's no longer any good. [Smile]

Picture of passenger side
 
Posted by fredfifty (Member # 10320) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by KCmustangboy:
Also I noticed this on the passenger side. I am guessing it's no longer any good. [Smile]

Picture of passenger side
yea, doesnt look good...get some serviceable tie rod ends
 
Posted by RacerX (Member # 11046) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Blind:
quote:
Originally posted by [SHO]TIME:
It's more then likely a CV joint I've replaced tons of these on these fox body cars they always go bad. tell you what I can fix it for you for a very fair price.
I'm not sure what you are meaning to say (balljoint?) but a CV joint is on fwd/awd cars and trucks...not mustangs unless they have IRS, and then only in the rear, lol.

- +1 lol

(Constant Velocity)

 




Fueled by Ford Mustang Owners
on CaliforniaFords.com