Knock/clunk from font end -- motor mount?

[kger]

2000 SVT: I'm hearing a sporadic knocking noise from the front end. It's not spark knock, but something like a clunking noise. It seems to not be tied to suspension activity over bumps. It sounds like it is coming from the right side. Sometimes it happens during bumps, sometimes I hear it on a relatively smooth road. That makes me wonder if it is coming from a broken motor mount. It's loud enough that it sounds like it could be resonating through the bodywork up there.

Now, the previous owner alleged that "skunkworks" motor mounts were installed. I don't know how to determine if they are stock mounts or not. Do they look different from stock ones? I assume such a noise would not be normal behavior for those aftermarket mounts, but maybe I'm wrong.

If I leave my hand on the shift knob I can sometimes feel some fore-aft movement, but the noise does not happen at those times.

 

[Smalls]

check the LCA's with a prybar. that is a common problem that can easily be diagnosed. sounds like whats going on with your car

 

[99Mystique ATX]

Get that car jacked up and check all suspension components.

LCA's are definitely a possibility. Does the car drive straight? Any changes when accelerating/braking?

 

[kger]

Get that car jacked up and check all suspension components.

LCA's are definitely a possibility. Does the car drive straight? Any changes when accelerating/braking?

Yes, it drives straight, and all the time. I don't feel any looseness in the steering wheel.

 

[AliasJerk]

I would almost be inclined to say that the sway bar links are bad, its a pretty common occurance with these cars especially at about 100K miles.

 

[99Mystique ATX]

The skunkworks mounts are more than likely poly filled and shouldn't have much, if any play at all. It sounds like you could have a loose bolt or a worn bushing somewhere.

Have you jacked the car up to inspect all mounts/bushings?