clunking noise

[Hognewbie]

I am getting a clunking noise in the front end of my windstar. It only happens once upon acceleration from coasting or a stop. I am unable to pinpoint from which side as it seems to somtimes come from the right, left and center. I'm thinking cv joints and would like some other opinions.

[twotone95lx]

Mine does this too. I did a search and found that there is a known problem with the sub frame bushings.

[wiswind]

There are several possible causes for this.
1 is subframe bushings
The other, more common is the bushing for the Radius Arm into the subframe, Radius Arm shown in this picture, but not the bushing.





THIS picture shows the actual bushing as viewed from the front......the radius arm passes through the subframe and has a BIG nut on the end.



Lesabre97mint sent me this picture that shows how many have repaired this by welding it.
I had mine welded at the local FORD dealership.



The normal symptom is a clunk sound when turning or hitting bumps.
The mount works loose and moves very slightly.

[twotone95lx]

I replaced my LCAs last year. They came with new bushings on the part that passes through the LCA. What breaks that needs to be welded? I will take a look at the other bushing. That looks easier to replace than the subframe bushings.

[twotone95lx]

Here are some pics of mine. They look ok to me, but who knows. I may just put up with the clunk. Hate to replace something that isnt necessary.

[tomj76]

Clunking noise as described can also come from play in the in ball joint pin, where it inserts to the bottom of the steering knuckle. If the pinch isn't closed tightly the pin will move around in the hole. Once it is loose the pin can wear the inside of the hole to the point that is not possible to tightly grab the pin.

[MarPac]

I had exactly same issue. Main subframe bushings were dead. Only the two behind, the front ones are usually OK due to higher braking torque than accelerating one.

[wiswind]

For the radius arm issue.....it looks like the part that moves is the part behind the subframe.
The picture that was sent to me shows the nut, washer and rubber bushing removed.....and the part behind is metal on metal.

There is a replacement part.....a 2 part unit that one can buy and install, but it requires that radius arm to be pulled out from the subframe.....lots more labor than the welding.

From what I've read, the movement is not some super dangerous issue.
However, I would want to KNOW what is causing the sound as there are suspension items that can wear and also cause the sound that can suddenly come apart and cause you to loose control of the vehicle.

[Hognewbie]

I replaced the entire drive axle on both sides. Still have a slight clunk on the driver’s side and thought the passenger side one was gone until I went to parallel park. Turned the wheel to the left, started to back up and "CLUNK".

I appreciate all your answers however I do not have a radius arm going through my lower control arm.

I have something that looks like this
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2745250

If you guys have any more ideas I would appreciate it. Sick of this vehicle ready to sell.

BTW: can anyone tell me where the rear engine mount is, can't see it.

[wiswind]

What year is your Windstar?......I am familiar with the setup on the '95 through '98.

One thing that has been helpful to me is a subscription to Alldatadiy.
This is a online factory manual service that will give you access to information specific to YOUR vehicle......FORD repair information, complete with diagrams (although I can never get enough diagrams and pictures) and Technical Service Buletins (TSBs) as well as standard repair times (charged at dealership) and estimated part costs.

[Hognewbie]

Originally Posted by wiswind

What year is your Windstar?......I am familiar with the setup on the '95 through '98.

One thing that has been helpful to me is a subscription to Alldatadiy.
This is a online factory manual service that will give you access to information specific to YOUR vehicle......FORD repair information, complete with diagrams (although I can never get enough diagrams and pictures) and Technical Service Buletins (TSBs) as well as standard repair times (charged at dealership) and estimated part costs.

My Windstar is an 01.

[northern piper]

you have checked the swar bar bushings right? They wear prematurely quickly I've found and cause a double clunk. Check those too, and dog bones that connect the swar bar to the strut.

[jayjp200]

Hi,
Did you do a front brake job recently?
Simply remove the brake disc - wipe clean dry where it meets the hub. Also clean the hub dry and put everything back togather.

I had the similar problem and ended up changing a lot of things for no reason.

Changed the hubs and the noise was gone. The old hubs were fine - I could have cleaned them if I knew better.
Reply if this worked.

Thanks.
Jay