Clunking under front pass. floorboard

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Aug 23, 2006 | 06:25 AM

Jerry323

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Clunking under front pass. floorboard

Hello to all

I have a 2001 Escape, which has recently developed a clunking sound that seems to originate under the front passenger’s floorboard. This clunking seems to occur with suspension travel (bumpy roads, etc.). The clunk is not associated with steering or engine revs.<O

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I have tightened all hardware on the right side of the car’s front end, including inspecting the tightening the roll bar clamps and bushings.<O

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Is this a common problem with the Escape? Any and all help is appreciated.

Aug 23, 2006 | 08:04 AM

Ford43

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I have an '02 and I had a clunking problem a few months ago and it was the front stabilizer bar links. An easy fix. I think they are relatively cheap as well. I took it to Ford as I still had warrany left but the parts I think are only $12-20 even at the dealer. Also, if this is the problem you do not have to align the front end after these are installed. I had an earlier post in which I was told that by another member. Good Luck, hope this is all that is wrong. These are easy to install and get to....

Aug 23, 2006 | 08:39 AM

Jerry323

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Thanks for the quick reply and the suggestion Ford 43! When I removed the stabilizer bar (sway bar), I did remove that link and inspect it. However, with arm force alone, I couldn't put enough force against it to cause it to fail. I just cleaned it and put it back in place.

I think I'll trade the left for the right and see if the problem moves.

Again, thanks for the info. Good lick!

Aug 24, 2006 | 05:25 PM

bananaboat

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From: Texas

If you lay on your back and pull/push on the link real hard, you'll hear the clunk in a bad link. Other possible causes are anyone's guess? Steering rack, shock, exhaust hangers, etc, etc.

Aug 24, 2006 | 06:42 PM

Jerry323

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Hi bananaboat. Yes, I'll give that a try this weekend. Wouldn't you believe if it were the steering rack that I could duplicate the noise by rocking the steering wheel back and forth?

I've tugged on the exhaust system pretty hard trying to get the popping (clunking) to occur. Nothing. According to my wife, it's getting pretty bad now. Riding in the passenger's side, you'd swear it was right there under your feet.

Anyway, I'm going to change sides with the links and see if it move the clunck.

Thanks for all your help. I've enjoyed the group member's suggestions!

Best regards

Aug 28, 2006 | 07:40 PM

Jerry323

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Hi again Ford43! I believe you "hit the nail on the head" I swapped sides with the link rods and the sound move with the bad link! I purchased two from Advance Auto here (TRW part) and I'll give you and Bananaboat the full report next week,

Thanks again for the advice! Both of you!

Aug 28, 2006 | 07:43 PM

Jerry323

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Think it is the link rods. I really had to yank hard to get it to pop, and it did only once! Swapping sides move the noise to the other side. With good folk's advice from this forum, two links ordered from Advance auto at $9.00 each and 30 minutes work; we'll be right again!

All the best and THANKS