Knocking sound from front passenger area when going over bumps

[Alexely999]

Hey guys, this is my first post so sorry if I'm posting to the wrong area. I have a 93 Explorer xlt 4X4. It has 90,x.. miles and I got it from my grandpa as he no longer drives. I'm trying to figure out a knocking/bumping noise coming from the front passenger corner of the truck. Most noticeable when going over speed bumps. The problem is definitely on the right side, the driver side feels great and no noises. I jacked up the front and there is no play with the right front wheel. It doesn't sound like a worn bearing either. Any ideas?

 

[Gadget X]

Could be a ball joint, or possibly one of the bushings in the swaybar, but my vote is for the radius arm bushings!

 

[Alexely999]

Could be a ball joint, or possibly one of the bushings in the swaybar, but my vote is for the radius arm bushings!

What's the best way to test if it's bad? Also another issue I'm having possibly related: the steering wheel turns to the right while braking. So if you tightly grip the steering wheel while braking, it forces the truck to veer to the left. I hope that makes sense.
I already checked out the calipers and pads on both sides and they arnt sticking. Bled both also to make sure the brake fluid was getting through to the caliper piston.
Any ideas?

 

[gmbroy]

I would say it probably is the radius arm bushing giving you the clunk , you have something wrong with the right side breaks . maybe pinched line , blocked line or caliper . hope this helps you some . After hearing what MayJan said I think he is dead on . I did not think about the arm moving enough to pull you to one side . DUH !!! LOL Once you get the radus bushings done it will do fine . I will suggest you go ahead & do both of them . about 140.00 labor at a shop , then get your front end aligned . Wish you luck with your explorer . Keep up the pm & they will give you long & dependable service .

 

[Spdrcer34]

Its definitely the Radius Arm Bushings.

 

[Gadget X]

And if the radius arm bushing is in REAL bad shape, then it would let the right side axle move to the rear when you apply the brakes, causing the "pull" to the right that you mentioned. Hope that helps, and good luck!

 

[rbbaker]

I would definitely agree with the others about it being the radius arm bushing. Had exactly the same issue. Actually still do, crappy winter here in Calgary so have been unable to get around to changing them out.

 

[Alexely999]

Okay thanks I'll check first thing tomorrow morning (I'm stuck at work)
It's for sure not a pinched/blocked brake fluid line.

 

[littlebro294]

Agree with everyone also, had one that was clunking when going over bumps and it got to the point to where it was moving my tire backwards when applying the breaks, you might have some trouble getting the new ones back on if that is the problem, they are a pain to change but well worth it to keep your explorer safe!

 

[Travisfab]

It could be a ton of different things, you just have to start eliminating them one by one