Clunk While Driving
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: COLORADO
Clunk While Driving
i HAVE A 1991 FORD AEROSTAR XLT WITH 99000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS SMOOTHLY AND i HAVEN'T SMELLED ANYTHING BURNING (OIL, TRANNY FLUID) AT ALL. i RELIGIOUSLY DO OIL CHANGES EVERY 3K MILES AND JUST HAD A TRANSMISSION SERVICE COMPLETED. WHEN i HIT THE GAS AT A LIGHT OR LET OFF THE GAS AFTER A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED, HEAR A CLUNK THAT IS IN THE MIDDLE IF THE VAN, i TOOK IT TO A CHAIN TRANSMISSION SHOP, THEY SAID THE TRANNY WAS SHOT AND i NEEDED TO PAY $1900 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IS THERE A SUPPORT FOR THE TRANNY THAT WOULD BE CAUSING THE NOISE?
THIS VAN RUNS VERY QUIETLY AND IS IN FAIRLY GOOD CONDITION
THANKS LARRY
THIS VAN RUNS VERY QUIETLY AND IS IN FAIRLY GOOD CONDITION
THANKS LARRY
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 76
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From: Littleton, CO
Clunk While Driving
Whoa!
Here's my general answer (others with more Aerostar-specifics should jump in here too)
The immediate thing that comes to mind is to check the u-joints. When they wear out, you can get a very noticeable thunk or thud when you let off the gas, or coast and then hit the gas again. Sometimes, if you have the van stopped and slip the tranny into neutral and then back into gear, the u-joints will 'clunk' then also.
I would not believe the chain based on what you've said (regular servicing, quiet running, no tranny slipping, etc.).
I'd find a reputable, non-chain location and ask them to check it out and give you an opinion, before spending the money at the chain.
Here's my general answer (others with more Aerostar-specifics should jump in here too)
The immediate thing that comes to mind is to check the u-joints. When they wear out, you can get a very noticeable thunk or thud when you let off the gas, or coast and then hit the gas again. Sometimes, if you have the van stopped and slip the tranny into neutral and then back into gear, the u-joints will 'clunk' then also.
I would not believe the chain based on what you've said (regular servicing, quiet running, no tranny slipping, etc.).
I'd find a reputable, non-chain location and ask them to check it out and give you an opinion, before spending the money at the chain.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 76
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From: Littleton, CO
Clunk While Driving
The u-joints are connected to the driveshafts, there isn't a u-joint for the transmission per se. If the u-joints start to wear out (and they do wear out over time/mileage), they can create 'clunks' in the driveline when you accelerate/deccelerate. I am not aware of any automatic tranny condition/problem that has no other symptoms other than the noise you described, that'w why I'm saying that you should check the u-joints first.
Here is a link to an old topic that describes how to check the u-joints for play:
archive article
Oh, and by the way, typing in CAP letters is considered to be shouting on the internet. Not a big deal, but try to hit the cap lock key off
Here is a link to an old topic that describes how to check the u-joints for play:
archive article
Oh, and by the way, typing in CAP letters is considered to be shouting on the internet. Not a big deal, but try to hit the cap lock key off
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 13
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Clunk While Driving
M051 I'm having the same clunk problem. UV joint s are good too.
Where did you get the 3-link strut bushings from and do you have the part numbers?
thanks for the info. I had not thought of the link bushings.
Ted
Where did you get the 3-link strut bushings from and do you have the part numbers?
thanks for the info. I had not thought of the link bushings.
Ted
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 319
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From: Sacramento
Clunk While Driving
Alas, the dogleg is only sold complete with bushings, from Ford. It was about $300 installed, as I recall. It is a shame for us non stockholders, that Ford or someone doesn't make replacement bushings for Aerostars.
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From: COLORADO
Clunk While Driving
can anyone give me a rough estimate on the cost to replace the ujoints? Should I rely on a tranny shop for this?
thanks for the great advice
thanks for the great advice
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 62
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From: Bay Point, Ca
Clunk While Driving
The universal joints range from $7.99 to $25.99 at partsamerica.com I've also found the bushings for the rear upper and lower control arms ( that dog leg thing) for about $22.00 each.