Suspension issues

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Jul 17, 2020 | 10:56 AM

2002Limited

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2016

Posts: 214

Likes: 25

Suspension issues

I am having a recurring clunking sound from the front left of my 2002 for quite some time. It's a v-10 RWD. I replaced the front sway bar end links, and I had the bar disconnected for a few days waiting for parts and I noticed that the clunking sound did not happen while the bar was unhooked. I installed the new end links and it clunks again. Sounds like it's coming from right under my feet when I'm driving, and only happens when I turn left. Vehicle has new ball joints and is in really good condition, any guesses?

Jul 17, 2020 | 11:56 AM

EXSwap

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 1,667

Likes: 182

Did you replace all the bushings associated with the sway bar? Generally that's what causes them to clunk. I'd imagine the new links came with them, but there are two in the mounts as well.

Jul 17, 2020 | 12:18 PM

2002Ex

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2019

Posts: 418

Likes: 4

From: Tacoma, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002Limited

I had the same noise under my feet that turned out to be the sway bar link mount was rattling, because the top of the frame mount has indents that the bolts were not seating well into. I had to use some heavy duty wide washers to correct that.

If you really can't find it, then get a camera, phone or go-pro type and mount it under there a do a quick drive to get the clunk recorded.

Jul 17, 2020 | 12:52 PM

2002Limited

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2016

Posts: 214

Likes: 25

Now that I think of it, the body bushings that came with the kits were too tall and I couldn't use them. I reused the old ones. Bet that's it.

Jul 18, 2020 | 02:36 PM

2002Limited

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2016

Posts: 214

Likes: 25

Any benefit of going thermoplastic vs rubber?

Jul 18, 2020 | 05:57 PM

2002Ex

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2019

Posts: 418

Likes: 4

From: Tacoma, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002Limited

Any benefit of going thermoplastic vs rubber?

Good write up over here at Suspension.com blog

I would go with rubber, because my ride is rough enough already.

Jul 18, 2020 | 06:04 PM

2002Limited

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2016

Posts: 214

Likes: 25

So 'Thermoplastic' = Poly?

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Jul 18, 2020 | 06:16 PM

2002Ex

Tuned

Joined: Sep 2019

Posts: 418

Likes: 4

From: Tacoma, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002Limited

So 'Thermoplastic' = Poly?

Not quite:
"Moog makes their sway bar bushings with two materials; rubber and thermoplastic. Moog's rubber bushings are designed to restore your smooth OE ride, getting you back to your original performance. The thermoplastic is stiffer and more durable. With thermoplastic bushings installed your NVH might increase slightly, but your performance will not only be restored, but it will also be improved. So if you're looking to fix up your daily driver, or reduce your lap time, Moog has you covered."

Moog

Looks like an in between Rubber and Polyurethane option.