Windstar 99, front end clunk/noise

[ktw1961]

Hey all,

Are there more that one size sway bar? If I'm reading NAPA correctly, there is a 20.5 and a 22mm diameter bar. I have an '01 SE Sport (probably the larger bar, if there are two sizes).

Thanks!

[firstwindstar02]

Originally Posted by mark v

I had a couple clunks. 1 was the exhaust and the other was after the new Transmission was installed, the mechanic had to adjust the frame cradle and the clunk went away.

What about the ball joints?

markv was it a clunk when shiftin to reverse from drive?

[mark v]

Nope, just big bumps or when the front end dipped down or sharp fast turns.

Reverse to drive clunk is normal if parked on a hill or a sign of wore CV Joints.

Originally Posted by firstwindstar02

markv was it a clunk when shiftin to reverse from drive?

[firstwindstar02]

What would be other signs of worn CV joints?

[mark v]

Clunks while turning.

Find an empty parking lot. Crank your wheel all the way to the right and keep it cranked and drive slow forwards and in reverse in a complete circle, repeat with wheel turned to the left. Any clunks and you have a bad CV Joint.

[maxeyFord]

My 99 Windstar had a clunking sound, mostly when I went I went around a turn. I took it to my repair shop and they changed the sway bar and called me a couple of hours later to say the job was done. I picked up my van and on the drive home, the same noise continued. I went back to the shop and asked if anyone took it for a road test? They did not. After two days of searching the shop found the worn engine mounts and the problem was solved.

[firstwindstar02]

um mechanics don't test drive/ diagnose things 80 percent of the time. they just throw parts at it!

MOST MECHANICS MAKE COMMISSION.

[randybuy]

Originally Posted by firstwindstar02

markv was it a clunk when shiftin to reverse from drive?

I have a 98 Windstar GL that is doing this. It has a 3.8L
automatic in it. Any advice? It does not roar when turning
from side to side, so I don't think it is the wheel bearings,
but and wondering if it may be the tie rod ends or cv joints?
It mostly pops or clunks when going into reverse or drive.
Sometimes from being stopped at a red light and then
accellerating. Any help is appreciated.
-randybuy

[vindctar]

My 96 does exactly the same. I haven't had it fixed yet but suggestion was that it was due to worn out subframe bushings.

[mark v]

My clunk only happened when I hit big bumps while driving.