Front suspension clunking

[95_ESi_Person]

If I go over bumps or something like that in the truck I hear clunking from the front end, and I'm assuming that it's suspension related.

I don't think it's the bump stops because this doesn't happen when the nose goes down, but up (or the wheel goes down).

It sounds sort of metallic, like maybe there is a bushing missing?

I'm not familiar with this vehicle, so I'd have no idea where to look or what to look for in this. Any suggestions?

[gary255]

Check the end links on your sway bar. This is a very common problem.

[rodeo02]

Yep, can almost guarantee this is bad sway bar end-links. They are usually shot after a few years / ~30-40Kmi. The 2 fronts and 2 backs will all go at some point.

G/luck
Joel

[95_ESi_Person]

so how much will this cost? I'll take your word on it because there is 103k on the thing.

I just checked it, and I'm assuming the end links are the little aluminum things with what looks like ball joints on it. Am I correct in this? Those things are easy to move from side to side in a twisting motion, but there is little to no play in any other direction. The grease boots on them also appear to be in good condition.

[rodeo02]

Here is a good thread on this: http://forums.trailvoy.com/showthrea...hlight=swaybar

G/luck
Joel

[fastco]

I have a 2002 TB and have had that same clunking since I bought the thing. Brought it back the first time and they changed the Struts in the front and the noise stopped for a while then came back. Brought it back four more times for clunking and all they say is everything is tight and normal. Brought it to a non-chevy mechanic and he said all was good. Just a Trailblazer thing I guess. SOunds horrible

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by fastco

... Just a Trailblazer thing I guess. SOunds horrible

No, its just a bad stabilizer bar end link thing. Replace the end links and she will be as quiet as a mouse. GM uses junk end links.

Joel

[fastco]

OK then I'll change the endlinks.....Thanks

Just ordered the Moog replacements from RockAuto, thanks

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by fastco

OK then I'll change the endlinks.....Thanks

Just ordered the Moog replacements from RockAuto, thanks

Make sure they are the type with lube fittings.

[fastco]

I ordered them already and I hope they have the fittings. Says it's a kit

2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT 4.2L 256cid L6 FI (S) MOOGK6666Stabilizer Bar Link$ 19.98$ 0.001$ 19.98 MOOGK6665Stabilizer Bar Link$ 19.98$ 0.001$ 19.98 Shipping $ 6.83 Order Total $ 46.79

[fastco]

It just took me 4 hour s of torture to get those damned end links off the truck. Couldn't get vise grips in between the greese boot and the spinning shaft. Ended up cutting all of the nuts off with a cutting wheel. What a horror show. Works great now but that job sucked.

[rodeo02]

Nice work! Yeah... that looks like an aweful job. I wonder how the 'professionals' do it? Cutting torch?

Joel

[fastco]

Well I know I brought that truck in four times for clunking and they said they couldn't find a problem. Now I know why. Even the Chevy technicians don't want to do that job!!!

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

Nice work! Yeah... that looks like an aweful job. I wonder how the 'professionals' do it? Cutting torch?

Joel

Narrow jaw vise grips.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Narrow jaw vise grips.

Good tip! Thnx.

Joel