Creaking and clunking in '96 Windstar

[windstarstuart]

Steering is creaking in '96 Windstar. There is also a light clunking that occurs after I have been fully stopped and step on the gas again (mostly stop lights and stop signs.)

Also wondering if creaking and clunking are totally unrelated or if one may have something to do with the other.

Thanks for any input.

Windstartstuart

[busboy4]

Hi Stuart

I have a '96 and the clunking was related to the subframe bushings (4). I changed all four and now grease them once a year. A Ford Mech suggested I grease the plastic portions of the bushings that come in contact with the subframe. You can remove them one at a time, loosening the opposite side but not totally removing the opposite bolt. I find on the front, that you can pull one side at a time and then use the jack to push the subframe back into place to start the bolt. I used a moly/lithium grease and just did them again yesterday in about 40min. The creaking when turning: is it isolated to the top of the fender area? Strut bearing is in there and can make noise, no easy fix I know of. Tie rod ends perhaps?

Good luck

[Dan L]

Originally Posted by busboy4

subframe bushings (4). I changed all four and now grease them once a year.

is there any way you can take a pic of the ones you are talking about?

I have a 98 that clunks, the tie rods were just changed and still clunks...

[wiswind]

I have some pictures of the front bushings.....in my pictures at http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

I had to have mine welded.....the part that the bushing connects to broke loose.....which is common on these as well.

Busboy4 correct me if I am wrong and referring to something different than what you were talking about.

Upper strut bearing......can be replaced....have to remove the strut and spring to get to it.

[Dan L]

wiswind

thats where I thought it was coming from...

Where did you have it welded?

[wiswind]

They welded the subframe mounting for the bushing.....on the '96....they were known to break loose..... I did not see them do it. I had the dealer do it.

[busboy4]

Wiswind, you and others are talking about the bushing in the forward frame where the lower suspension arm (runs from the frame to the lower control arm) comes through. Yes those are known to break loose, mine are, and can be tack welded although I hear those welds eventually break too. Mine make noise, but I only hear them at very low speed i.e. inching up the driveway while fanning the brake I can make it pop, pop, pop.

What I was suggesting are the subframe bushings. There are four -one at each "corner" of the engine/transmission installation. The powertrain sits on the subframe and the subframe is bolted upward onto the frame. They are a bit hard to see unless the front end is elevated. Each one has a large (abt. 18mm) bolt in the center. My symptom when they made noise was similar to windstarstuart - A popping noise just as I came to a stop and then again just as I accelerated. I could detect the popping sound/feel through the floor as well - the left rear subframe bushing is under the driver's feet. I think I replaced all four for $100-$125. If you work on them remember, do not remove any two at once, just one at a time and possibly loosen it's mate i.e. right rear out, left rear loosened. There is a top and a bottom portion - bottom comes off with the bolt, top must be pushed up and out.

The strut bearing would require removal of the strut. I have changed my struts, but left the OEM bearings as I have had no noise and they seemed in good repair and they cost as much or more than the strut. Yanking those struts out is not for the faint of heart as it is tough, but do-able.

Hope that is clearer gents