Ford WindstarIntroduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis, the Windstar served a family's needs just fine.
I am new to this forum and have read some very useful information. Maybe someone can help me with a problem I am having with a clunking noise from the front end of my Windstar. I will start by saying that I have replaced the outer tie rods due to wear. I also replaced the front struts (Monroe Sensa trac) with the mounting kit and the rear shocks also. The sway bar bushings and end links (AutoZone) were replaced about 2 years ago (7K usage). The van has 99.5K miles and runs well except for the clunking noise when you drive. It does not make any noise while standing still and rocking it up and down.
I read on the forum that I should also check the sub frame bushings and the strut rod bushings. I brought the van to different mechanics to check for the noise and they all say different things. No one mentions the sub frame bushings or the strut rod bushings. One guy even told me that I should replace again the sway bar bushings and end links with OEM.
I am lost as what to do next to get rid of the clunking noise. By the way I haven't gotten a wheel alignment as of yet. I am waiting to get this problem fixed before doing the alignment.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions, photos (strut rod bushing loc.) or comments.
Does it get louder/faster as you speed up, and slow down as the vehicle slows or just a once in awhile deal? Have you had CV joints checked? Wheel bearings, bad tire, rock inside wheel cover? (been there, done that)
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97 F150 4x4
98 Windstar
01 Taurus SE
Just a clunk, clunk as you drive. No fast clunking or slow clunking. The CV jointsand wheel bearings were checked good. New tires installed 1 month ago. I have rims on the 2000 SEL.
IF I remember correctly, there is a threadded rod about 20 inches long that is in a horizontal plane, and on a diagnal that lends some structural support. My mechanic told me that it is welded in place and that it broke so often on tauruses that they made a bolt on connector for it. It also fits the windstars.
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BroncoJoe19
2006 Alt Fuel Jeep (electric)
'98 windstar 3.8L
'99 Crown Vic 4.6L
'90 Full Size Bronco 5.0L
I'm not a professional mechanic, take my suggestions with a grain of salt, or a cup of coffee
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IF I remember correctly, there is a threadded rod about 20 inches long that is in a horizontal plane, and on a diagnal that lends some structural support. My mechanic told me that it is welded in place and that it broke so often on tauruses that they made a bolt on connector for it. It also fits the windstars.
Nothing found broken or loose to make the clunking.
I am going to get the wheel alignment today. I will let them also check it first. I will let you guys know how it goes. Hopefully the problem is solved by then.
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Clunking noise in my 2000 Windstar 
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