Front End Clunking on Bumps

[mjwood0]

95 Contour SE ATX

Okay. So I searched around and tried all sorts of things but I can't seem to pinpoint the problem. When I go over bumps, I sometimes hear a clunk coming from the drivers front area.

Jacked up the car and tried the 12 and 6 o'clock test with no play. Took off the wheel and grabbed anything I could find to yank on. Nothing has any play. I'm very stupid regarding suspension and part names, but I can usually spot a broken part!

My only concern is that the transmission is only suspending about a quarter of an inch off the frame. This seems close to me and it seems that transmission / motor mounts fail on these cars (especially after 11 years of sitting with little driving).

So here are my questions:

1. Do you all think I'm on the right track with the transmission mounts?
2. Is there an easy way to see these things to determine if they are bad?
3. Looking at Advance Auto Parts online, it shows that I can buy either the whole mount (~$100) or buy just the rubber inserts (~$20). Obviously, I'd rather have the cheaper option, but how in the world do you get the new inserts into the mount?

Thanks for any ideas! I'll have this thing running good if it kills me! After all, a few hundred in repairs for a free car isn't all bad!

 

[Tony2005]

"My only concern is that the transmission is only suspending about a quarter of an inch off the frame. This seems close to me and it seems that transmission / motor mounts fail on these cars (especially after 11 years of sitting with little driving)."
If it is not sitting on the frame, you are probably fine.

"1. Do you all think I'm on the right track with the transmission mounts?'
If you need to change one, it would be the one from the tranny to the driver fender.
Read this link.
http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=2730&highlight=mount

"2. Is there an easy way to see these things to determine if they are bad?"
Picture posted previously.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/s...allposts&Main=1247599&Search=true#Post1248181

"3. Looking at Advance Auto Parts online, it shows that I can buy either the whole mount (~$100) or buy just the rubber inserts (~$20)."
If you do, check out the link for the correct part number, then order from Rock Auto. "

"a few hundred in repairs for a free car isn't all bad!"
Can't go wrong there.

In addition, remove the lower radiator deflector in front and look up. Sometimes, the screws are loose and can cause knocking sounds. After removing, check the ATFluid cooling lines which sit on the front subframe. Sometimes those get loose and can cause knocking sounds too. You may have to use a big piece of packing material (popcorn) to hold it in place. Then reinstall the lower radiator deflector (or you will be looking at a higher than normal engine temperature). The most common cause are, of course, bushings.

 

[mjwood0]

Thanks so much for your input! Perhaps I'll look elsewhere before I tackle the transmission mount idea. Not that is sounds too difficult, but why do something when not necessary?

I was thinking bushings too, but none of my suspension parts seem loose. What exactly is a good way to check the bushings?

I'll also look into that radiator sheild and what lies behind it. You never know when you get a new car exactly what struggles you'll have.

One last thing. I've been jacking the car up using the specified jack points. Is this the best place or will I end up doing damage constantly using these for support. I thought I read somewhere that they would eventually weaken, but this seemed odd to me.

Thanks again for everything!

 

[Tony2005]

" Perhaps I'll look elsewhere before I tackle the transmission mount idea. Not that is sounds too difficult, but why do something when not necessary?"
I agree.

"What exactly is a good way to check the bushings?"
When you look at it, you will know. Frayed, broken, missing .

"One last thing. I've been jacking the car up using the specified jack points. Is this the best place or will I end up doing damage constantly using these for support. I thought I read somewhere that they would eventually weaken, but this seemed odd to me."
Everything weakens (eventually). You are fine.