006 Mountaineer clunking in front end when slowing down

[ZanyMom]

About a month ago my Mountaineer started making a clunking in the front when stopping; thought it might be something to do with the brakes; had it checked, got new front pads, rotors; still had the noise. It continued for a couple more weeks; then they replaced both front hub/bearing assemblies & both front lower ball joints & put brand new tires on it. Just got it back yesterday & it's still making the noise & it's even worse now? It seems to make it when going at slow slow speed so not when applying brakes and then when coming to a stop & after you stop you can hear it clunk like 3 times. It's a V6 2006 AWD with about 64,000 miles on it. Help, the noise drives me crazy & it feels like something is going to fall apart.

[FishFind]

check your A arm bushings, AKA Control arm bushings.

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Your description of the noise is consistent with what I've experienced due both to worn anti-sway bar end links and anti-sway bar bushings. Typically the bushings are less expensive and easier to replace than the links, so if there is not anything obviously wrong with the end links, I'd suggest you start with the bushings.

This of course also assumes that you have looked in the center console, glove box, and under the seats for any loose flashlights that are rolling around. Also, make sure the spare tire is secure.

Please follow-up on this thread once you find the issue and it will likely help someone in the future.

-Rod

[ZanyMom]

Before a summer trip to the Cape when I had an oil change I was told the sway bar wasn't even connected so they "fixed it" at the garage & connected it. For about 1.5 months it seemed fine then the noise so maybe I should have the sway bar checked out again. Where would I find the sway bar and how does it connect? I have already checked under seats, under the hood, under the car for anything loose that could be making the noise and no sticks or flashlights etc. Definitely something to do with the car itself & it seems to be getting worse. Car is completely quiet when driving it just happens when I go to slow down and then when I come to a stop you can hear it a few more times.

Originally Posted by shorod

Welcome to the forum!

Your description of the noise is consistent with what I've experienced due both to worn anti-sway bar end links and anti-sway bar bushings. Typically the bushings are less expensive and easier to replace than the links, so if there is not anything obviously wrong with the end links, I'd suggest you start with the bushings.

This of course also assumes that you have looked in the center console, glove box, and under the seats for any loose flashlights that are rolling around. Also, make sure the spare tire is secure.

Please follow-up on this thread once you find the issue and it will likely help someone in the future.

-Rod

[shorod]

The anti-sway bar is the large bar that connects one suspension arm to the other via end links. You can see an image of one end of it here - referred to in the diagram as a "stabilizer bar." If the end links are still in tact, it could be the bushings (called "insulator" in the diagram) causing the noise. Don't be fooled by them "looking good." They could still be the source of the noise.

-Rod

[ZanyMom]

I took it to a 3rd garage now and he drove it; heard the noise that is now getting worse & worse and thinks it may be the CVC joint and that they can try replacing that and see if it fixes it and then the noise would go away. I just keep sinking more & more $$ into finding out what is causing this noise. Can't believe that it's not something a mechanic would be able to tell and fix.

[shorod]

A CV joint would be more likely to make noise under an acceleration load (inner joint) or when turning (outer joint), but NOT when coming to a stop. If you do not hear the noise when accelerating, I highly doubt an inner CV joint is the issue. And, yes, I do realize that in technical terms braking is "accelerating" but that does not put the CV joints under load.

-Rod

[ZanyMom]

Originally Posted by shorod

A CV joint would be more likely to make noise under an acceleration load (inner joint) or when turning (outer joint), but NOT when coming to a stop. If you do not hear the noise when accelerating, I highly doubt an inner CV joint is the issue. And, yes, I do realize that in technical terms braking is "accelerating" but that does not put the CV joints under load.

-Rod

I agree; it doesn't make any noise when turning or accelerating just when slowing down or coming to a stop but not associated with the brakes.