Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: Cougar5.0 on July 28, 2008, 10:10:32 PM

Title: Front end clunk
Post by: Cougar5.0 on July 28, 2008, 10:10:32 PM
My entire front end is new. Rack, tie-rods, control arms (including ball-joints), rotors, brakes, springs, isolators etc. The only thing that's not new that moves are the struts & spindles. At about 3/4 turn to the left, I get a clunk in the front-end. I've removed the wheel and brakes and there was no issue. Bearings are tight. Tie rods are new and I can't feel any play in them. I can't make it do the clunk with the weight off the front and while kicking, prying, shaking etc. wheel while it's off the ground to find the clunk. I retightened the rack mounts (that also have new rubber), but I just can't figure out where the clunk is coming from. What am I missing?
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: mjbtbrd on July 28, 2008, 11:28:15 PM
what about the strut mount
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: Cougar5.0 on July 29, 2008, 12:02:44 AM
The upper mount?
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: Haystack on July 29, 2008, 12:47:56 PM
Check your k-member bolts.
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: Chuck W on July 29, 2008, 01:12:10 PM
Quote from: Cougar5.0;229584
The upper mount?


Yes.  Is it stock, or have you replaced/upgraded it?

If it's stock, it is LONG overdue to be replaced at this point.
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: Cougar5.0 on July 29, 2008, 01:25:17 PM
I replaced the struts several years ago, but that's it. I need to get new struts that work better with the Mach1 springs anyway, do I need more than what comes with the struts? It's been a long time and I'm not remembering...
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 29, 2008, 01:36:26 PM
Yeah check the strut mounts. Mine did that about 2 years ago and it drove me nuts trying to find the source of the noise. I fixed it when I changed the struts but for the life of me I can't remeber what brand of strut mount I used.

BTW how did those FRPP Cobra control arms fit? I'm planning on using a set on my car and I was wondering if there were any issues getting them in or if they just fit like the stock ones?
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: Chuck W on July 29, 2008, 02:39:04 PM
The upper mounts are separate from the strut.  The original stock ones are not seviceable.

Moog and TRW make replacement upper mounts that use the cup-style bushings like the Mustangs did that used replaceable bushings.
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: Cougar5.0 on July 29, 2008, 05:11:34 PM
Thanks everybody - with the new angles and wider wheels, the mounts may indeed be shifting a bit - three was always a little play even with the nut tight. Chuck, I don't suppose you've contemplated those caster plates you were talking about here - Caster Plates (http://"http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=18434&highlight=caster") ?
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: Chuck W on July 29, 2008, 06:15:53 PM
I've contemplated them, but my plate is pretty full at the moment.

I was actually just contemplating them the other day though.
Title: Front end clunk
Post by: Cougar5.0 on August 01, 2008, 12:14:19 PM
Funny, I seem to be contemplateing them myself lately :)

You've got one sure customer here!