Front end clanking noise

[techsent]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 1991 Mark VII LSC. The previous owner mentioned that there is a periodic front end clanking noise (down by the wheel axle) on the driver's side. It's a loud clanking noice that seems to come and go. It mostly starts to occur after exiting the freeway or hitting large pot holes while driving on the city streets. Since buying the car, I've been reading up on alot of good info on the net about the Mark VII. I was thinking that the problem may be related to a dead air bag (air suspension)or a bad strut.

I took it into the local ford service center and they said I'd have to be $120.00 for them to diagnose the problem and then pay for parts/labor after that. I was hoping that maybe someone else has run into this same problem and could shed some light on what it could be as I could then forgo the $120.00 diag charge. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Patrick

 

[driller]

RE: Front end clanking noise

Struts could be one source. Also suspect the sway bar bushings or end links. I would also look at the brake calipers.

 

[sleeper]

RE: Front end clanking noise

Clunking noises are always fun. Make sure you get it fixed, though. I had a clunking noise in my thunderbird when i was 16, it went away by itself, and i thought all was well until 50k miles later the front wheel fell off (bad ball joint).

The only real way to figure out what it is is to get it up on jackstands and figure out what moves. You should be able to see some play somewhere, or a bad bushing. Put it on jackstands and have a friend turn the wheel back and forth, and look for play anywhere. Also have someone lift the wheels with a pry bar while the car is jacked up and see if there is any play in the ball joints or hubs.