i have a weird bump noise in my right front wheel/suspension (no it's not the TSB issue) and since all the Ford service tech's are too pig headed to look past the fact that the car is lowered and figure out what is going on... i am trying to figure it out myself.

Now, all of the bolts EVERYWHERE are tight (the most recent excuse of techs were that the bolts were loose) i am tempted to replace the strut myself because i think that might be it....

BUT on examination of the car today with that wheel off to check the bolts, we noticed that the wheel bolts that stick out of the brake assembly have a lot of "play" in them, enough to make a giant "CLUNK" noise when moved back and forth in the assembly. I think with a tire on this could be the noise, since it would be more muffled.

So... are those wheel bolts supposed to move back and forth so much?

 

No way should there be that much play in the wheel studs. I've had my front wheels off and they are rock solid (as they are in every other car I've worked on--Mustangs or not).

I'd get this checked ASAP by another dealer who realizes that this isn't related to the lowering springs.

 

Mine were solid until I removed the factory retaining clips to put on the aftermarket rims. Now the rotor is loose but there is no noise coming from the wheels.

 

Doesnt the fact that the rotor is loose raise a red flag?

 

The rotor should be loose with retaining clip off, and no lug on the hub. Stil need to remove Caliper to remove rotor, but you get the idea.

 

The clips were used by AAI to hold on the rotors as the car went down the line. They should always be removed when putting on aftermarket rims in order for them to fit.

 

hmmm yea well i do have aftermarket wheels, but that noise started when i drove the car off the lot so that wouldn't be it. I still think they are pretty loose though? Do you think it would be able to make a clunk noise going over bumps if the wheels are moving? i think it may be jarring it enough.

The studs probably move back and forth a good 1/2 inch.

 

My studs are never loose. Just for you Em I'll go take my tire off and double check.

 

Check this out. There's rotational slop but the studs are rock solid. I haven't done anything to my brakes.

http://home.comcast.net/~dustindu4/steeda_...install_025.wmv

So I think this is what you are describing.

 

Just to bring this thread back into the light...

The above video shows EXACTLY what i'm seeing in my front hubs.

Soooo, is this NORMAL?

Looks kinda dangerous to me....

 

Dangerous how? Once the lug nuts are torqued down, it's not moving anywhere.

 

Whatever you noise is it sure aint the wheel studs causin' it.

 

Does anyone have any pics of these clips??

 

No photos, but this shows them...

http://www.2005stang.com/gallery/alb...ake%20Disc.pdf

 

Completely normal. Like Don said once the lugnuts are on, it ain't going anywhere.

Those retaining nuts are just "placeholders" as are the clips on the front calipers.

Both should be removed if you're going to aftermarket rims.

 

Well I did have a weird bump noise after I lowered my car but My sway bar end links were loose and they looked tight. Be sure to check everything.

 

Hey DraftHorse,

Check this thread out if you haven't already....
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=44888