Front end clunk

Topic: Front end clunk (Read 1733 times) previous topic - next topic

Front end clunk

July 28, 2008, 10:10:32 PM

My entire front end is new. Rack, tie-rods, control arms (including ball-joints), rotors, brakes, springs, isolators etc. The only thing that's not new that moves are the struts & spindles. At about 3/4 turn to the left, I get a clunk in the front-end. I've removed the wheel and brakes and there was no issue. Bearings are tight. Tie rods are new and I can't feel any play in them. I can't make it do the clunk with the weight off the front and while kicking, prying, shaking etc. wheel while it's off the ground to find the clunk. I retightened the rack mounts (that also have new rubber), but I just can't figure out where the clunk is coming from. What am I missing?

Front end clunk

Reply #1 – July 28, 2008, 11:28:15 PM

what about the strut mount

Front end clunk

Reply #2 – July 29, 2008, 12:02:44 AM

The upper mount?

Front end clunk

Reply #3 – July 29, 2008, 12:47:56 PM

Check your k-member bolts.

Front end clunk

Reply #4 – July 29, 2008, 01:12:10 PM

Quote from: Cougar5.0;229584

The upper mount?

Yes. Is it stock, or have you replaced/upgraded it?

If it's stock, it is LONG overdue to be replaced at this point.

Front end clunk

Reply #5 – July 29, 2008, 01:25:17 PM

I replaced the struts several years ago, but that's it. I need to get new struts that work better with the Mach1 springs anyway, do I need more than what comes with the struts? It's been a long time and I'm not remembering...

Front end clunk

Reply #6 – July 29, 2008, 01:36:26 PM

Yeah check the strut mounts. Mine did that about 2 years ago and it drove me nuts trying to find the source of the noise. I fixed it when I changed the struts but for the life of me I can't remeber what brand of strut mount I used.

BTW how did those FRPP Cobra control arms fit? I'm planning on using a set on my car and I was wondering if there were any issues getting them in or if they just fit like the stock ones?

Front end clunk

Reply #7 – July 29, 2008, 02:39:04 PM

The upper mounts are separate from the strut. The original stock ones are not seviceable.

Moog and TRW make replacement upper mounts that use the cup-style bushings like the Mustangs did that used replaceable bushings.

Front end clunk

Reply #8 – July 29, 2008, 05:11:34 PM

Thanks everybody - with the new angles and wider wheels, the mounts may indeed be shifting a bit - three was always a little play even with the nut tight. Chuck, I don't suppose you've contemplated those caster plates you were talking about here - Caster Plates ?

Front end clunk

Reply #9 – July 29, 2008, 06:15:53 PM

I've contemplated them, but my plate is pretty full at the moment.

I was actually just contemplating them the other day though.

Front end clunk

Reply #10 – August 01, 2008, 12:14:19 PM

Funny, I seem to be contemplateing them myself lately :)

You've got one sure customer here!