Driverside Clunk

[strizzlow20]

Hey everyone,

I just want anyone's opinion. I have replaced almost all of the front end suspension on my 98 ford explorer 4X4. I replaced the upper control arms (includes balljoints). Swithed to the single design on the passenger side so the bushings could be replaced. Lower ball joints, sway bar links and bushings, new castor assembly, and new tie rod ends. Everything was replaced with Moog so they are greasable. I got an alignment and replaced the tires. Now when I take a turn to the right and there is a bump, I here a small clunk. This never happens when I am driving straight and the road is bumpy or has pot holes JUST WHEN I TURN TO THE RIGHT AND IM A GOING OVER A BUMP. This **** never happened until after the aligment. I also replaced all four shocks with Monroes. Is there something here that I have missed that could be the problem. I do need breaks and I made sure everything was torqued to spec. Any advise would be great because the tire place was supposed to evaluate the suspension and they all said it looked good but who knows. THANKS!!!

 

[bcboy4ca]

How are your swaybar and end-link bushings?

Sorry missed the line in your post regarding the new bushings.

 

[strizzlow20]

Thats okay. Ill check everything again when I get a chance but I have no idea. It sounds similiar to a ball joint issue but it only happens when I am turning to the right at a slow speed over a bump. Everything looked good last night. Maybe inner tie rods? I didn't replace those

 

[Joe Dirt]

The bad/missing/worn torsion bar pads are famous for that noise

 

[strizzlow20]

Ill check that out. I just went and test drove it and swerved all over the place and I only heard once or twice so its not consistent making this a PITA. Im at work so I can't really do much at this moment. How can I check bad/missing/worn torsion bar pads and are they hard to replace????

 

[Carguy3J]

I would also check all three (3) mounting points/bushing for your front diff to chassis mounts. I found enough play in one of mine that it elongated the bolt hole. I had to weld a washer in place to reinforce/closeup the hole.

Also check/grease your front driveshaft slip joint. They are also known to dry up and "clunk".

Of course, you should also double check all the recent work, and make sure it's all tightened down to spec. You did set/tighten the front sway bar links w/ the truck on level ground and AT RIDE HEIGHT. Right?

 

[strizzlow20]

Yes I did tighten the sway bar links to spec with the truck on the ground at ride height. I double checked all of the other work and it all looks good. Theres no popping noises and its rides great through parking lots theres just a little slight clunk thats inconsistent. I have not checked the driveshaft slip joint Im not sure what this is but I will find it and give it a shot. Isn't an alignment shop supposed to see these issues as well???? I only had them due the alignment and I purchased the tires but I thought they would be able to address any other issues that may occur. I just noticed this new noise so I will check everything again when I get a chance.

 

[Afboy143]

I had the same problem twice. First time was the lower ball joints. Second was the sway bar links were loose. Check everything under there. it can be a pain but ball joints are a regular wear and tear item

 

[strizzlow20]

Follow Up

So.....I just wanted to follow up. I thought I checked everything considering everything is brand new on the front end such as ball joints, sway bar bushing/links, control arms, shocks, and hub assemlblies. I also put new tires on and had an alignment and this shop said everything looked great a new. The front left lower ball joint is actually a little to small. What basically happened is the first time doing ball joints I went with the Auto Zone brand. The lower left ball joint was not pressed in correctly. I eventually switched to Moog because the Auto Zone ball joints and parts are crap and everything looked good. If your going to do all of this work go with Moog because they are greasable and are a better part. To solve my problem I will be redoing the lower ball joint with a Moog oversized ball joint. Tires Plus quoted 267 to install this part. I am returning the current moog lower bj for the oversized moog bj with the receipt I kept and will only cost me the difference of 8 dollars. Please people don't make the mistake I did by going with the cheap part and causing the hole to be slightly boared. All is well outside of this and everything else was tight. Thanks for everyones responses.