Im stumped on this suspension noise...

stevemainian · 11-12-2007, 08:09 PM

Ive been chasing this sound for 2 years now! Its a crunching/clunking/popping sound from front end with braking, or going over bumps at speeds lower than 15mph... I did tons of research and found a lot of information on a correct repair.. However all has been unsuccesful for me.

I have already replaced the steering rack gear tubes, and control arms with new control arms. Yet the sound is still there!

Im going to try to replace the stock strut bushings with poly ones and see if maybe thats the problem.

Im wondering if anyone else here has had a similar sound, and what their diagnosis was?

*venom* · 11-12-2007, 08:17 PM

Did you check the sway bar bushings and end links.

stevemainian · 11-13-2007, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venom

Did you check the sway bar bushings and end links.

The sounds are not symptoms of endlinks, and the endlinks are in perfect condition. I appreciate your advice though! This sound is driving me nuts!

*venom* · 11-13-2007, 08:17 PM

Do you remember when it first started? I remeber having a noise and it was because the anti rattle clips where installed wrong on the calipers. Kind of hard to troubleshoot unless you are physically there hearing it.

stevemainian · 11-20-2007, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venom

Do you remember when it first started? I remeber having a noise and it was because the anti rattle clips where installed wrong on the calipers. Kind of hard to troubleshoot unless you are physically there hearing it.

Its been there ever since I bought it used back in 05 of this month. What anti-rattle clips are you talking about? There are clips in the caliper bracket that hold the pads in place on the bracket? Is that what your refering too?

The sound is loud and can be felt in the frame of the car. Its sounds like rubber binding against metal or steel. I would describe it has a pop or a crunch. The sound is usually inconsistent also. Mainly does it when doing less than 15mph while braking to a stop, and going over bumps. Also if you have the wheel turned all the way, and start rolling from a stop, youll hear it pop once also.

On other mustang boards, I found people with the same problem, and it ended up being the control arm bushings(there is a Ford SSM on this issue also). Some people had the same symptoms, but it was the strut bushings. I have already replaced both... But problem is still present. I even narrowed it down to either the CA bushings or strut bushings before I even did research on it. But still no luck.

*venom* · 11-20-2007, 06:29 PM

Im all out of suggestions best to check every bushing. My brother thought one of his vavles took a dump since he keeps hearing a loud ticking noise. After I heard it and look at engine I notice it was coming from the Alternator and sure enought the bearings were shot. Sometimes you need a fresh pair of eyes and eyes looking at the problem.

RJSGT · 11-25-2007, 04:10 PM

Motor Mounts or tranny mounts? I have it seems like the same problem you have and thats what I'm going to look at tomorrow.

stevemainian · 11-26-2007, 08:36 PM

No motor mounts would casue differnet symptoms.

Motor mounts would cause increased vibration while at idle in gear. Plus, this sound only happens when weight is shifted on the front of the vehicle.

RJSGT · 12-06-2007, 08:21 AM

I'm having the same exact problem it seems. Let me know if you have any luck.

r3dn3ck · 12-06-2007, 09:18 AM

if it only happens when weight shifts to the front then I'll bet one of your bushings in the back is actually at fault. I've gotten sounds that seemed like they were in the K-member and even the passenger side door that turned out to be in the rear suspension. For me it was binding from a bad adjustment on my PHB binding up the UCA's decelerating into turns. I'd give a serious looksee to all the bushings in back.

Another possibility is that your k-member itself has a loose attachment point (including the cross brace at the back of the oil pan). I've seen that in cars that have curbed themselves... they'll actually end up with the k-member moved and it'll get some rub under load.

stevemainian · 04-15-2008, 05:50 AM

Actually, I just found the problem a couple days ago. Poked a hole in the front lower ball joints, sparyed a bunch of grease. Drove, noise gone.

So any of you still looking for a solution, and your symptoms sound similar.. Try it, all you need is a bottle of lube.

11-12-2007, 08:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
stevemainian I8URVTEC Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 193	Im stumped on this suspension noise... Ive been chasing this sound for 2 years now! Its a crunching/clunking/popping sound from front end with braking, or going over bumps at speeds lower than 15mph... I did tons of research and found a lot of information on a correct repair.. However all has been unsuccesful for me. I have already replaced the steering rack gear tubes, and control arms with new control arms. Yet the sound is still there! Im going to try to replace the stock strut bushings with poly ones and see if maybe thats the problem. Im wondering if anyone else here has had a similar sound, and what their diagnosis was? __________________ 2003 GT 5 speed - 360 rwhp / 375 wtq Flowmaster Catback Few suspension upgrades Black Bullitt's with DD's in rear Procharger P-1SC, 10psi, 3 core intercooler *SCT Chip (Dynotuned by Ed Clark at Steen Racing)

11-12-2007, 08:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
venom Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,128	Did you check the sway bar bushings and end links. __________________ http://www.mustangboards.com/mustang...500/ppuser/102

11-13-2007, 08:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
venom Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,128	Do you remember when it first started? I remeber having a noise and it was because the anti rattle clips where installed wrong on the calipers. Kind of hard to troubleshoot unless you are physically there hearing it. __________________ http://www.mustangboards.com/mustang...500/ppuser/102

11-20-2007, 06:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
venom Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,128	Im all out of suggestions best to check every bushing. My brother thought one of his vavles took a dump since he keeps hearing a loud ticking noise. After I heard it and look at engine I notice it was coming from the Alternator and sure enought the bearings were shot. Sometimes you need a fresh pair of eyes and eyes looking at the problem. __________________ http://www.mustangboards.com/mustang...500/ppuser/102

11-26-2007, 08:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
stevemainian I8URVTEC Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 193	No motor mounts would casue differnet symptoms. Motor mounts would cause increased vibration while at idle in gear. Plus, this sound only happens when weight is shifted on the front of the vehicle. __________________ 2003 GT 5 speed - 360 rwhp / 375 wtq Flowmaster Catback Few suspension upgrades Black Bullitt's with DD's in rear Procharger P-1SC, 10psi, 3 core intercooler *SCT Chip (Dynotuned by Ed Clark at Steen Racing)

11-25-2007, 04:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
RJSGT Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8	Motor Mounts or tranny mounts? I have it seems like the same problem you have and thats what I'm going to look at tomorrow.

12-06-2007, 08:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
RJSGT Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8	I'm having the same exact problem it seems. Let me know if you have any luck.

12-06-2007, 09:18 AM	#10 (permalink)
r3dn3ck Wowbagger hates me too! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Magrathea/California Posts: 6,513	if it only happens when weight shifts to the front then I'll bet one of your bushings in the back is actually at fault. I've gotten sounds that seemed like they were in the K-member and even the passenger side door that turned out to be in the rear suspension. For me it was binding from a bad adjustment on my PHB binding up the UCA's decelerating into turns. I'd give a serious looksee to all the bushings in back. Another possibility is that your k-member itself has a loose attachment point (including the cross brace at the back of the oil pan). I've seen that in cars that have curbed themselves... they'll actually end up with the k-member moved and it'll get some rub under load. __________________ Built 5.5L 2v and Maximum Motorsports Max Grip box. www.squarerootofone.com My CarDomain Page

04-15-2008, 05:50 AM	#11 (permalink)
stevemainian I8URVTEC Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 193	Actually, I just found the problem a couple days ago. Poked a hole in the front lower ball joints, sparyed a bunch of grease. Drove, noise gone. So any of you still looking for a solution, and your symptoms sound similar.. Try it, all you need is a bottle of lube. __________________ 2003 GT 5 speed - 360 rwhp / 375 wtq Flowmaster Catback Few suspension upgrades Black Bullitt's with DD's in rear Procharger P-1SC, 10psi, 3 core intercooler *SCT Chip (Dynotuned by Ed Clark at Steen Racing)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode