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Joined: Dec 2000
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CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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I got 110K on my SE with the original front struts. When going over even slight bumbs there is a clunk or rattle type noise from the front end, either tire.
I am going to replace the struts next week and was wondering if there is a way to check the strut bearings? I replaced the left axle assy assembly last year and the tie-rod ends were tight then. I am not sure about the sway bar bushings, though.
Did any of you guys have similar noises related to the struts?
Dan B.
96 SE 2.5 auto
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,382
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2000
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trust me on this,
First, replace your sway bar end links. (connects sway bar to lower control arm, a small brass linkage.)
Autoparts store for $15 - $25'ish.
You can have the strut people put them on when they do the struts. Shouldn't charge you anything since they are right there and very easy to DIY.
But trust me.... replace those endlinks and I'll be 90% that solves that!
Mine clunked like a loose "something" replaced links after Ford wanted $350 to do it and problem is gone for 6 years now...
Good luck!
"Fear is the little death."
Muadib.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 429
CEG\'er
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OP
CEG\'er
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Oh...I forgot to mention that I did replace the end links last year, so I don't believe they are the problem.
I will be replacing the struts with my brother. Pray for us!
Dan B.
96 SE 2.5 auto
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 18
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2004
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Probably your sway bar bushings are shot. I've broken both brackets on my 2000 Sport 'cause I live in the land of no pavement.
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Well, Dan.... I had to replace mine twice..... but you're probably right.
However, if you're going so far as to get new bearings, you MIGHT put new links on again.
Either way, Good Luck!
"Fear is the little death."
Muadib.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,399
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2002
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If you are doing the struts, do the bearings while they are out with GOOD parts. Cheap insurance.
The clunk could be the sway bar end links, ot the tie rod ends. Check your control arm bushings and the bolts on your brakes too.
98 Silver Frost SVT
97 BMW 540I Sport, six speed
"Blue is for sky, black is for soil, and white is for simplicity, purity and hope for the future"
"A coveted car should never stunt your life, but should make it more rich and interesting."
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Joined: Mar 2002
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Originally posted by Phil Rohtla:
If you are doing the struts, do the bearings while they are out with GOOD parts. Cheap insurance.
The clunk could be the sway bar end links, ot the tie rod ends. Check your control arm bushings and the bolts on your brakes too.
Is it obvious when the control arm bushings are worn, is there some sort of "wiggle test" you can do?
97 Contour SE MTX
K&N 3530, UR UDP, 19# Injectors, mystery mod, FMS wires, Fordchip.com chip, SVT: TB, Flywheel, clutch, exhaust
04 Grand Caravan SXT
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 429
CEG\'er
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OP
CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 429 |
Just got both sides off today. What a job!
The tie-rod ends are still very tight, both inner and outer.
Those control arm bushings seem good also, as the control arms still have a lot of spring in them.
The struts are obviously worn out, but not to the extreme.
Am getting the new bearings tomorrow and probably the sway bar bushings.
Stay tuned.
Dan B.
96 SE 2.5 auto
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