2005-2009 Mustang Information on The S197 {Gen1}

Dreaded front end clunk?

Old Mar 25, 2007 | 12:49 PM
  #1  
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Dreaded front end clunk?

Does anyone know how to reproduce the dreaded front end suspension clunk? I can hear a "thud" whenever I turn the steering wheel when parked. Is this a sign the bolts are loose? What is the permanent fix?
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 12:54 PM
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Only time I hear it is going over a speed bump in a parking lot.

Originally Posted by metroplex
Does anyone know how to reproduce the dreaded front end suspension clunk? I can hear a "thud" whenever I turn the steering wheel when parked. Is this a sign the bolts are loose? What is the permanent fix?
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 01:54 PM
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Exclamation

Originally Posted by metroplex
Does anyone know how to reproduce the dreaded front end suspension clunk? I can hear a "thud" whenever I turn the steering wheel when parked. Is this a sign the bolts are loose? What is the permanent fix?
My clunk also comes over rough roads at low speed. Here is a thread that talks about the front end noises. Not sure if your problem is covered though:

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=44888

Good luck!
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 02:13 PM
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In all likelihood it’s the endlinks. Use blue loctite and torque those puppies down.
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by bad_monkeys
In all likelihood it’s the endlinks. Use blue loctite and torque those puppies down.
Or take them off (along with the swaybar). No difference in driving or the amount of sway.
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by 89Trooper
Or take them off (along with the swaybar). No difference in driving or the amount of sway.
So what you're saying is Ford puts expensive suspension parts on cars that have no bearing on the ride quality.
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 06:12 PM
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sarcasm?
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 07:12 PM
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Have you lowered your car? I took mine to one of the best alignment places in my area and they say that it's something with my strut bushings or bearings. Easy fix and sounds about right.

No real impact in performance though, just annoying.
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 07:28 PM
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well the clunks/popping etc in the 05' was the strut bearings, you could take hard turns or go around in a circle in tight formation and it would pop plenty. The clunking I was recently getting in my 06gt is the ford racing sway bars up front loosened up at the end links. I have not fixed it properly yet with air tools and loctite. But did find it quickly due to the good comments on here. I turned the wheels to the right and laid on the ground. I think I used an 8 mm socket to hold the end link from spinning while tightening with an 18 mm wrench I believe. Immediately I could tell it wasnt all the way tightened or loosened up. Just tightened it up by hand for now and all is well. Passenger side was good. I will get some time and hammer it on with some air and couple drops of loctite. The sway bars make the car much tighter, so It's no problem taking care of a few issues. Hopefully that will solve it. Good luck dont know if that helps.
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 07:54 PM
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Is your car stock? I believe it is.

Determine if there is a TSB for your particular problem. Take it to dealer. Get it fixed.

Problem solved.
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Old Mar 25, 2007 | 09:23 PM
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I dont have a clunking in the front my clunking is in the read ever since I put my CHE UCA and LCA I get a clunking when turning.
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Old Mar 26, 2007 | 05:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Hollywood_North GT
Is your car stock? I believe it is.

Determine if there is a TSB for your particular problem. Take it to dealer. Get it fixed.

Problem solved.
I would never leave my car at a dealership for their mechanics to do exploratory surgery and then tell me "it is NORMAL". Been there, done that.
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Old Mar 26, 2007 | 07:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Lime GT
So what you're saying is Ford puts expensive suspension parts on cars that have no bearing on the ride quality.
Simply... yes.

Originally Posted by slipnotovk
sarcasm?
Phil is still mad about my Chrome Taillight Bezels.
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Old Mar 26, 2007 | 09:21 AM
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hello,

im not sure if its clunking, but when i go over a bump the front of my car has a vibration..like something is not solid...

is that the clunking? i noticed it more when i did eibach pro springs and tokico d-specs...
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Old Mar 26, 2007 | 11:51 AM
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Make sure your UCA and LCA bolts are torqued to factory specification. This is a friction connection between the LCA/UCA bushing and the bracket, not a bolt shear which requires a precision fit. Shop manual recommends replacing these bolts after removal.

Originally Posted by Geos05GTvert
I dont have a clunking in the front my clunking is in the read ever since I put my CHE UCA and LCA I get a clunking when turning.
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Old Mar 26, 2007 | 03:42 PM
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Originally Posted by metroplex
I would never leave my car at a dealership for their mechanics to do exploratory surgery and then tell me "it is NORMAL". Been there, done that.
Well, at the end of the day, if there is a TSB for it, it's their responsibility, and you will need them to fix it anyway.

It's a question of finding a reputable dealer.
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