front end noise

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Feb 18, 2007 | 05:55 PM

jbkgmyers

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front end noise

Hello, I have an 03' Exc. (V-10) w/ ~40k miles and whenever I go over bumps, pot-holes, rough road, etc. I get a "clunk" noise (& feeling) just under the front drivers side floor-board. I don't see any broken sway-bar link pins. I tried feeling for loose tie rod ends; however, I did NOT raise the truck off the ground in doing that, I just tried to see if there was excessive play in the LF wheel assembly. Any suggestions??? Is there a bushing or something that is known to go bad?? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Feb 19, 2007 | 12:27 AM

Monsta

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From: Washington State

Sway bar bushings are know to go bad as well as the body mount right where you hear the noise.

Check 'em both out!

Not sure if you can do a search (you may need more posts) but there are a lot of threads concerning this noise. Maybe that can help you out!

If you cannot search, don't worry about it. Ask whatever you need to know.

Welcome to FTE!

Feb 19, 2007 | 02:46 AM

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My 03 X seems to have this noise too, our 05 F250SD with a v8 at work has the same noise but louder. Mechanic checked the 250 out and said it looked fine underneath. I assumed it was the nature of the beast lol. I guess once it warms up a bit ill have to go take a look under both these trucks!

You can really hear it when hopping curbs in the F250 or going over speed bumps. (work truck for a large parking garage and outdoor parking lots)

Last edited by 1; Feb 19, 2007 at 02:55 AM.

Feb 19, 2007 | 07:47 PM

jbkgmyers

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Thanks for the reply guys. I'll check out the sway bar bushings and the body mount. I assume you mean a bushing where the body mounts to the frame?

Thanks again.

Feb 19, 2007 | 08:13 PM

Monsta

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From: Washington State

Yup.

Feb 19, 2007 | 09:55 PM

Forest

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From: Tulsa, OK

Don't forget to grab the shock absorber and shake it. The lower mount clamp bolt on mine loosened up enough to make the very same noise you describe. It cost $0 to fix.

Mar 16, 2007 | 10:09 PM

jbkgmyers

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Clunk - Lower Ball Joints

I think I found the "clunk". I jacked the truck up, and there is ~ 1/16" - 1/8" play in both lower ball joints. Now they're starting to squeek when I turn the sterring wheel. So, my ? is, for a fairly mechanical guy, how hard are changing the ball joints on this animal? I've never done them on a 4x4 yet.... I hate taking my vehicles in for servive, is this something toooo difficult for the average DIY'er (do-it-yourselfer)?
Thanks.

03 Exc. 6.8L 4x4