Suspension noise
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 3
From: WARRINGTON, PA
I just did the same thing last week. New XRF ball joints, new hubs, new sway bar links. Still making the clunking noise. Does anyone know of what the size of the sway bar is for the bushings? Thanks. I'm ready to drive this thing off a cliff.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
We recently purchased a 2002 2wd V10 100k and also have a clunking feel/noise in the front end right under your feet. It happens more often when going thru dips in a turn. At first I thought it was radius arm bushings (we have 3 1st gen Explorers), but after dropping them to take a look they seem fine. I have already replaced the shocks and installed a Hellwig front sway bar which came with new main bushings, the end links look fine. I tried twisting the steering linkage, it was stiff and not smoothly rotating the joints. After greasing the joints they twist better, but still have rough spots. Will test drive over the next few days.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,595
Likes: 1,238
From: N. IL
Disconnect the front anti-sway bar and drive it like that for a while. I do this during off road trips for the extra suspension travel. See how it feels to you on the road. That will confirm the 'sway bar' source of noise. The bar will droop down, but won't be in the way as you drive.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Part No. K80203
Very cheap fix, but like I said previously, I'm not sure if it was the end links or the bushings specifically because I replaced both at the same time. I'm just happy the noise is gone.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,595
Likes: 1,238
From: N. IL
Back in 2008 during an off road Excursion, I did some remodeling down there. 
Some great memories looking back at the pics.
Broke the entire mount off with a boulder.
Decided to upgrade to steel bar. 
No complaints since.
edit, found the video.
Some great memories looking back at the pics.Broke the entire mount off with a boulder.
Decided to upgrade to steel bar. No complaints since.edit, found the video.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Noblesville
I finally found my noise. It was my front sway bar bushings. They were shot. I bought a new Hellwig bar and used existing end links. I now have a noise in a bushing somewhere up front.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Any pics of the worn parts so we can see what to look for?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 3
From: WARRINGTON, PA
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
EscapeeBob
Escape & Escape Hybrid
1
Apr 16, 2015 10:11 PM