popping & clunking noises (new owner)

Whenever my 96 (90k mi) has been sitting for awhile (doesn't have to be too long), and I turn the wheel, there is a one time popping noise. I've owned Saab's before that popped and supposedly that was a bad strut bearing. I renewed the struts and bearings and that took care of the problem, I think. (It's been too long.)

To those of you who have "converted" to strutmasters' or similar products, how has the ride been post-air?

Also, I changed the sway bar links which were bad, but there is still a little clunking noise up front, particularly on the passenger's side. I don't think it's the ball joints as they look ok--no rips in the rubber, etc. I was wondering if it might be the height sensors for the air suspension. I wiggled on and it kind of sounded like it might be the same clunk. Anyone have a comment?

Also, how often should the compressor come on? I'm thinking mine is coming on too often. It will of course come on when the car is first started, but then even here in town, it will come on 2-3 times before I get to work, which is about 2 miles and 10 minutes of driving.

I really like the car so far, although I feel like an old fogey driving it. I really wasn't that interested in Lincolns before. I bought this one b/c it was inexpensive, and I needed transportation and it was the best deal I found. Maybe there was a reason! :lol:

Thanks!

Sounds like you have a leak in the air suspension system. In the trunk, on the passenger side there's a air suspension shut off switch. You need to shut off the air system prior to jacking, tire changing, etc.

Another nifty function of this switch is, if you shut it down it becomes real obvious which airbag is leaking :evillol:

It may not be the bag itself, it could also be the "o" rings that seal the incoming / outgoing air valves/hoses.