Knocking in Suspension?

[MyBugGuy]

Okay. I recently purchased a '99 Explorer 4 x 4 with 125k miles. The first time I drove it, I noticed a noise at 30-45 that I can best describe as the sound of a bowling ball going down the alley. In addition, when I go over speedbumps there's a knocking in the suspension. I can seem to recreate this knocking to some degree by sharp swerving left and right. These noises to seem to be worse, the colder the weather.

On a side note, it does need a new front wheel hub bearing does need replacing. At first I assumed the rumbling (bowling ball noise) was this bearing. But with the knocking too, I'm having doubts.

I did have a state safety inspection done on the car and it passed. So not sure if this wasn't covered, or was just missed. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[swshawaii]

Best way to diagnose is lifting the wheels by the LCA's and inspecting.
"Roaring" is probably the bearing. Check sway bar end links while there.

 

[ponkotsu]

I had a knocking sound in my front suspension. I replaced the frond sway bar bushings and links and it fixed it. I was really shocked because they didn't look bad at all.

 

[koda2000]

front end knocking noises are usually sway bar related. end links and/or bushings (cheap and easy to replace). if not check shocks mounts and ball joints next. the other noise is probably a bearing going out.

 

[rwing21]

One of my sway bar links was broken off. That was the culprit of the knocking noise in my front end.

 

[J's Eddie]

Knocking in suspension

Let's not forget about our radius arm bushings, although usually their noises are associated with stop, go and hard steering at slow speeds. They also give awesome "drift" ability when severely worn!! :exp: :scratch:

 

[koda2000]

Let's not forget about our radius arm bushings, although usually their noises are associated with stop, go and hard steering at slow speeds. They also give awesome "drift" ability when severely worn!! :exp: :scratch:

did the '99 still use radius arm bushings?

 

[MyBugGuy]

The sway bar links seem to be ok. Regardless, I ordered replacements and am planning on replacing them along with the wheel bearing this weekend. Once I have it jacked up, I'll take a closer look at everything else.