Windstar 99, front end clunk/noise

[Linda1999]

Hi Everyone,

New to this, hope I get this posted correctly!

99 WS was bought new in 2000. Have replaced 3 racks (which = new tie rod ends, as well), 72K miles. New: struts, upper strut bearings, sway bar links, both 1/2 shafts. Hubby is a mech., at a total loss as to fix the clunk issue. Only thing he's not done is replace wheel bearings. Is that the problem? ; )

Any suggestions to help us rectify the clunk before we both go nuts??

As for the need to replace the rack, called Fo Mo Co, was told "after all, your van IS more than 7 yrs. old." I explained: not an abused van, no teen drivers, well maintained, etc. They wouldn't help. We paid for what they refused to fix. (grrr) Thanks!

[njdaewoo]

Hello, i asked my mechanic about this same problem and he told me it was related to the swaybar end links being loose or worn out. I hope this helps.

[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?

[firstwindstar02]

Here's a good way to get the ford stealership to find out exactly what your problem(s) could be. Tell them your getting a clunk from the front end and you don't know exactly what it is. Make sure you stipulate that you want a full diagnoses prior to them doing any work. With the lifts and advanced tools/manuals and know how of their shop they should be able to diagnose the problem in a half hour or so. Which shouldn't cost you more than 30-40 bucks. They'll definitely tell you what else they think should be fixed as well. They do make commission believe it or not. I've always done this with used cars that were new to me or if there was a sound that was made while driving that I could not duplicate when parked, trying to find it.

Good luck man. Just holler if you need any help. Once they find out what is wrong give us a detailed report and we can guide you through the repair process. Believe it or not even an engine swap/rebuild can be done in a weekend if your prepared correctly.

[Flyingjackal456]

....not my engine swap, that took about 2.5 weeks at a shop.

[goon]

there are two tsb.s on windstar clunk done 8 windstars from 96 to 2000. all 8 said it fixed it. they both are to do with the front springs. the one is to remove the rubber that is on the strut that insulates the spring (on the bottom), then replace it with rubber that goes on to the coil looks like a hose. The second is a bracket that goes on the top of the strut mount and the vehicle strut support.

[njdaewoo]

I found the problem on my 01 WS. .... It was the swaybar bushings ! I went out and purchased the two swaybar end links. When i took the wheel off and removed the first end link I grabbed the swaybar and shook it up and down. The darn thing was totally loose Up and down play ... In and out play.. I replaced the swaybar end link on one side ..put the tire back on and drove to the store. Every pot hole was a clunk . I purchased the rubber swaybar bushings, removed and replaced them and the clunk was totallllly GONEEEEE .. Hell Yeah...
Corey

[firstwindstar02]

It was definitely just sitting there 90% of the time jackal.

Good call on the bushings.

[mark v]

I forgot another clunk I had. The plastic inner wheel well would hit the bottom of the strut every now and then where the bottom of the spring sits, a little trimming and it went away.

[Flyingjackal456]

...i gotta do my own bushings, then figure out a brake shimmy and out-of-round tires which occured post-engine swap. (possibly bad-seating of a wheel or rotor)

Are these parts right?

sway bar end link kit
http://www.autozone.com/R,APP401020/...ductDetail.htm

the bushing
AutoZone.com | Shopping | Parts | Product Detail - Sway Bar Bracket Bushing