2000 Windstar LX - Intermittent “clunking” sound from left side after hitting a bump.

[NuckinFutz]

2000 Windstar LX
3.8L
33,000 miles

As of late I have noticed that every once in a while there is a "clunking" sound after going over a bump, from the left front-end. It sounds almost like a large rock hitting the upper part of the left front side wheel well. This seems to be very intermittent but concerns me because I have yet to have any significant problems. The van rides smoothly at all speeds (haven't taken it over 75mph). New tires at 30K.

I have read Bill Donovan's post "front end noise on left side" and I think this may be a similar problem.

- Other than taking my van to a garage is there a way to check the tie rod ends?

- Is the spring guard problem on factory-installed guards?

Any suggestions? I am considering taking it to a garage and would like to know beforehand what might be the problem. Like I said before the noise is intermittent, I don't want to have a garage charge me and say that it is nothing because they can't re-create the noise.

Futz

[TorinoGT69]

The noise you are describing sounds like a bad strut mount.

[NuckinFutz]

OK, is there anyway to fix the strut mount other than taking it to a shop? I'm thinking no.

Futz