97 Taurus GL -- ever hear of a frozen balljoint?

[ilLUMINAteddriver]

Okay, I got a 1997 Taurus GL with 125K on the clock for $800 . The problems listed were "front end" and "exhaust". Those boil down to a clunk in the front when going over bumps and a rattling catalytic converter heat shield. The clunk was supposed to be a "strut mount bushing" but the mechanic who inspected it gave it a clean bill of health, so I'm going to have it given a good going over at the first opportunity by someone who's not rushing it out the door -- I want the clunk gone and the rattle is darn annoying. My mechanic said the clunk could be from the loose tie-rod end or the OE plastic thingies behind the wheel. Sorry I couldn't be more specific as he never told me their name, just pointed at them and said they were original and should be replaced if the clunk remained after the tie-rod end was replaced. I'd never seen them before so I was at a loss.

So, I had to have a tow last week after the car's hood froze and the power steering and alternater cut out when pulling into a parking lot. The hood popped on the first bump and the consenus was that the belt had gotten wet from one of the HUGE puddles I'd driven through in the driveway, so no big deal there. But the tow truck driver said that it sounded like my balljoints were frozen because of the loud whine when I was turning the wheel to get the car onto the wrecker's hoist. Now, I'd never heard of this happening and nobody I've talked to has either, and a search here didn't come up with anything. Help?

Is this a real problem or was he trying to milk me for a couple of $60 parts and the gods of muscle cars only know how many hours of labor? I wasn't planning on taking it there -- the folks were rude and I have a regular mechanic who's great -- but I would like to know if I should shell out for parts or not right now. With luck the tie-rod end will be on by the end of the week, but since it's going into the shop as it is... Well, you know.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated! THANKS!

[wrightz28]

I've noticed alot of the power steering pumps on Fords being on the whiney side at any time, haven't personally owned one in quite a few years until a week ago. So with no belt on for the power assist, I would say it's going to whine ALOT more than usual.

As for the heat shield, I usually put a large 10-13" worm gear clamp on em and be done with it.

The hard part is they are becoming harder to find in that size, used to to get em at home depot in the air venting aisle, but now most ducts are getting smaller.

[ilLUMINAteddriver]

Whiney -- my '94 Taurus was much worse than this puppy, but I have noticed that whine at times. The problem is, it's coming from the wheel well and seems to switch sides depending on what mood my car's in. I'll see what my mechanic thinks when I hand him the tie-rod ends and ball joints and tell him what the doofus said.

You should hear my mother's '01 Elantra. The whine's so loud I've tried offering it cheese.

A 10-13 inch worm gear clamp is a good idea. I'll see what I can do in that regard and thanks!

By the way, NICE Rambler!

[shorod]

It is pretty common for the OEM outer tie rod ends and/or ball joints to get dry and creaky/squeaky. Many times they get noisy long before they get loose or unsafe. The OEM joints are not serviceable, but if you want to determine which ones are bad, you can poke a small hole in the boots with a pick, then squirt a bit of white lithium grease from an aerosol can into the small hole (using the can's straw). Do one joint at a time. If the noise changes, then you know at least that joint is suspect.

As for the white nylon pieces behind the wheel that may be causing the clunk, those are the anti-sway bar end links. They are a common item to cause the noise you describe, but so are the subframe bushings. The end links are probably easier to change out, so you may want to start with them. However, if the noise doesn't go away with them, then you may want to make sure the subframe bushing bolts are tight and think about replacing them.

-Rod

[wrightz28]

If I may, another way of checking ball joints vs. tie rods is to lift and secure the vehicle as you narmally would, then put a small jack on the lower control arm to lightly load the suspension (this is about the only time the wimpy stock jack some in handy).

Grasp the tire & wheel on the 3 and 9 o'clock sides, if you can wiggle the wheel in fore and aft (3 to 9) then the tie rods indicate wear. Same holds true for ball joints, except grasp the wheel at 12 and 6, if it wiggles that way, ball joint wear is indicatied.

I also forgot to mention I have heard about the nylon pieces on the sway link, I'll get used to owning a Ford again soon

And thanks for the compliment on the Rambler, everytime I take it out I keep forgeting to get a better picture.

[shorod]

Yep, that method works to check for worn ball joints and tie rod ends, but on these Fords the joints get noisy long before they exhibit any looseness.

-Rod

[TaurusKing]

Napa has the really large hose clamps, check there..

[ilLUMINAteddriver]

Sounds like I need to see if it still squeaks and squawks after the tie-rod ends go in, and if so go after the ball joints. Once I've replaced them (if needed), it's time to see if the subframe is loose and/or the anti-sway bar end links are worn.

Not too bad, all things considered. Thanks a lot, guys! I'll check Napa for the clamp tomorrow when I'm in town.

Anyone know where I could get the anti-sway bar end links aftermarket? I shudder to think what Ford wants for them and I can't find them online to get a price and part number. Thanks again!

[Huney1]

If you can't find the long clamp then take two 6" clamps and mate 'em together and doing it that way you can make one as long as you want.
POC = Piece Of Cake.

[shorod]

I picked up the sway bar end links for my SHO at Advance Auto Parts (aka Parts America). They are right around $30 each.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductL...r%20Link%20Kit

-Rod

[ilLUMINAteddriver]

Originally Posted by shorod

I picked up the sway bar end links for my SHO at Advance Auto Parts (aka Parts America). They are right around $30 each.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductL...r%20Link%20Kit

-Rod

Boy, do I feel stupid. I was looking right at it and didn't recognize it.

Many thanks!

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by shorod

, but on these Fords the joints get noisy long before they exhibit any looseness.

-Rod

Thanks again Rod, I have to break my GM habits and get wet behind the ears again it seems

[shorod]

I suggest everyone break their GM habits.....



-Rod

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by shorod

I suggest everyone break their GM habits.....



-Rod

Ouch,

I swear, I only moderate the Camaro (f-body) section because TS couldn't find anyone else brave enough

Actually, the real funny part is I've had a Ford neck tie about 12 years now, been loyal to the General for 10, and don't have a Chevy one When I went on a job interview at a local Ford dealer they did make reference to the nice attempt to warm 'em over with the tie.

[way2old]

Ok now Rod. You are getting really personal now. I have not owned anything but GM since 1982. I work on Fords, so I drive GM. Just a preference. Guess if we all liked the same things, there wouldn't e any reason to have forums.