1999 Continental and knocking sound coming from front right suspension?

[bbusbee]

I get this knocking sound coming from the front right suspension usually when I go over a speed bump a little too fast and sometimes when I backout from a parking lot and I have to roll over a small ledge where the tire would drop a bit. The vehicle is a front wheel drive and has 82,000 miles. I don't believe it's ever been wrecked. Would this be caused by Control arm bushings or what?
Also if I'm going to tear into the front end what else would be wise to replace while I'm there?

Thanks in advance.

[Towncar]

Reminds me of that joke...

Man says to the doctor, "it hurts when I do this"
Doctor says, "don't do that"



I'll be back.. gotta run and get the family.

[Towncar]

You're going to have to get under there and do some inspection. I'll attach the components overview, you can easily see which parts can wear or come loose.


«1995 Continental Table of Contents»
«Group 04: SUSPENSION»
«Section 04-00: Suspension--Service»
«DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION»



Component Replacement; Suspension, Front

WARNING:
ALL VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH GAS-PRESSURIZED SHOCK ABSORBERS WHICH WILL EXTEND UNASSISTED. DO NOT APPLY HEAT OR FLAME TO THE ABSORBER DURING REMOVAL OR COMPONENT SERVICING.

CAUTION:
All suspension fasteners are important attaching parts in that they could affect the performance of vital parts and systems, and/or could result in major service expense. Any part must be replaced with one of the same part number or with an exact equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during assembly to ensure proper function.

Never attempt to heat, quench or straighten any suspension part. Replace with a new part.

The following components may be replaced as follows:

• Front spring and shocks are serviceable by replacing the front shock absorber mounting bracket, solenoid valve, air spring assembly and front shock absorber may be replaced individually. Replace only the damaged components. It is not necessary to replace in pairs.
• The electronic shock absorber actuator is not serviceable. If damaged or inoperative, the front shock absorber must be replaced.
• Front wheel knuckle and wheel hub may be individually replaced.
• Forged front suspension lower arm assemblies are replaceable. Front suspension lower arm rear strut bushing, front suspension lower arm mounting bolt bushing and height sensor ball stud pin are included in the assemblies.
• Ball joints are not serviceable. Replace entire front wheel knuckle.
• Front suspension lower arm mounting bolt bushings in the front suspension lower arm may be individually replaced.
• Front suspension lower arm rear strut bushings may be individually replaced.
• Front suspension lower arm strut inner bushings may be replaced individually.
• Front suspension lower arm struts may be individually replaced.
• Front suspension strut insulators may be individually replaced.
• Lower arm strut washers at the front sub-frame and front suspension lower arm are replaceable with proper Ford-approved hardened components.
• Front stabilizer bar may be individually replaced.
• Stabilizer bar insulators may be individually replaced.
• Stabilizer bar brackets may be individually replaced.
• Stabilizer bar links may be individually replaced.
• Stabilizer bar link ball joints are not serviceable. Replace entire stabilizer bar link assembly.

Front Suspension Overview