1997 Taurus, Summer Knocking problems

[Awperator]

Hello. I have a 1997 Ford Taurus and I have a pretty annoying problem that occurs only during the summer. I live in New Mexico, so the summers can get pretty hot, and that's when my problem occurs. What happens is when I'm driving, if I hit a bump, or if I'm turning or braking, you can hear a lot of knocking sounds coming from the front of the car. If I’m driving on a level surface and I hit something, then there is only 1 knock, but if I’m turning a corner or if I’m braking (on a flat surface) or even just accelerating from rest, the knocking is there. Now, this only happens in the summer, and I've taken it to 3 different car repair places. I might take it now to the dealership, or start looking at other vehicles. This happens only in the summer, and only when the car is hot. If I’m taking it out of the garage in the morning, it won’t do it until the car has been driven for a while or after the car is sitting in a hot parking lot. In the winter, it won’t do this at all no matter how much I drive the car. Any suggestions? I will post later tonight the repairs that I have gotten on the car so far that haven’t worked.

Thanks.

[way2old]

Look at the motor mounts. They are liquid filled. If the liquid had leaked out, the rubber will be softer in the summer and allow the motor to jump. Just a guess.

[bobdilts]

I've got the same problem. I believe it is coming from a suspension part that looks like its made out of some nylon material. Looks like a ball joint of some sort. I'm just getting arouind to fixing it so if anyone has any insight I'd appreciate it.

Bob

[way2old]

I believe the part you are talking about is the stabilizer link. Does it run vertically behind the wheel? If so, that slipped my mind. Good answer.

[bobdilts]

That's it. I can feel the knocking in there when I have someone jump up and down on the car.

[bobdilts]

not a great Idea though. I replaced the link ($37.00 from ford in Denver) problem remains. It definitely occurs when its hoy 80+ and when the cars weiight shifts, side to side when cornering, or starting from a stop, sometimes when braking. Might have tto look at that motor mount.

[bobdilts]

any other ideas out there?

[Awperator]

Sorry I havent kept up with this thread. I've been busy arranging auto transportation. I'm finally done with this car. I'm getting a 2003 Honda CR-V instead. Time to check out the Honda forums!! No more ford!!!

[way2old]

Hell of a way to fix. Good luck.

[bobdilts]

I ended up replacing the subframe bushing on the left side. $35/$40 from Ford. Cleared the knock right up. Simple replace process

[Willyum]

I think that you'll find that Hondas aren't as perfect as reported!

[Taurus_SHO]

If u are to replace swaybar links (had to on my SHO rear) u must replace both, MOOG part nubers are K8734(left), K8735 (right); TRWpart numbers are 18194 (left), 18195 (right).

[michael_k0]

Originally Posted by bobdilts

any other ideas out there?

Turn up the radio, it works for me.