Sound when driving over bump?

[jweb1369]

I have a 99 Explorer SOHC. This just started happening recently, when I go over bumps a knocking sound comes from the front passenger side wheel well area. It only knocks once, and only when I hit bumps.

I have read that it could be cv half-shaft, radius arm bushings (is that the same as control arm bushings?), or wheel bearings.

What are your expert explorer opinions?

 

[yavapaires]

Upper control arm bushings. Or in the case of my 96, it is the camber adjusting bolt, the bolt that goes through the control arm bushings and the mounts.

 

[Elessar65]

Check out the ball joints on that side. Jack up the front on that side and grab the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and shake it back and forth. If there is any play its most likely ball joints. To be sure, have a helper shake it while you grasp the ball joints, and see how it feels.

If its not the ball joints have your assistant keep shaking while you look and feel around till you isolate where the play is. If its only over bumps its most likely ball joints or control arm bushings.

 

[J_C]

Could just be the stabilizer bar link bolt failed, mine rusted completely through. If it is you're lucky since that's a cheap and relatively easy repair... though in Florida it seems less likely.

 

[MonsterTruck460]

I agree with Elessar65, x2 on the ball joints. Mine did the same, new ball joints and knocking was gone.