balz24
Joined:
Feb 2007
Cincinnati, OH
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I have a mystery "clunk" in my '88 that occurs somewhere in the front end when I slow down (just before I come to a stop) and sometimes if I hit a bad bump. Anyone have this happen on theirs? I hate to replace every part in the front end if can be isolated to just one part.
Balz
87 Turbo Coupe - T-3 turbo, FMIC, Stinger 3", CenterForce clutch, Hurst shifter, TurboXs boost valve, Kirban F.P. regulator & gauge, Walbro 255, Innovate LC-1 wideband, Forge BOV, AutoMeter gauges
2003 Thunderbird Roadster
1964 Ford F-100 V8 4spd
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balz24
Joined:
Feb 2007
Cincinnati, OH
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I should clarify - It sounds/feels like either a suspension part or steering part.
Balz
87 Turbo Coupe - T-3 turbo, FMIC, Stinger 3", CenterForce clutch, Hurst shifter, TurboXs boost valve, Kirban F.P. regulator & gauge, Walbro 255, Innovate LC-1 wideband, Forge BOV, AutoMeter gauges
2003 Thunderbird Roadster
1964 Ford F-100 V8 4spd
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trashline
Joined:
Feb 2005
Levittown, PA
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http://rides.webshots.com/photo/29504106...9955JuOmEu
start by tightening these bolts up. This photo is over a year old from the same problem I had.
make sure everything else under there is tight as well.
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Worn out bushings are usually the culprit.Don't use aftermarket bushings,they get rid of the clunk,but create creaks.
1991 Taurus SHO Plus-Red,black leather.2012 F150 XLT 3.5 EcoBoost.
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balz24
Joined:
Feb 2007
Cincinnati, OH
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Thanks; I'll have to crawl under there and see what I can do.
Balz
87 Turbo Coupe - T-3 turbo, FMIC, Stinger 3", CenterForce clutch, Hurst shifter, TurboXs boost valve, Kirban F.P. regulator & gauge, Walbro 255, Innovate LC-1 wideband, Forge BOV, AutoMeter gauges
2003 Thunderbird Roadster
1964 Ford F-100 V8 4spd
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Beau
Joined:
Dec 2006
Lock Haven, PA
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i am having the same problem and cant read what you wrote on the left hand side of the picture... can you better explain where these bolts are located.
Beau
-1988 Turbo coupe, 5 speed, Homemade boost controller, K&N cold air kit, By-pass-valve
-1988 mercury Cougar XR-7, 5.0
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Joe F
Joined:
Jul 2002
Hawkins, Texas - USA
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Check your ball joints!!!
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BoostedEcoCavi
Joined:
Oct 2006
Cincinnati Ohio
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I had a clunk on my 87 front end every time I hit a bump, I found a TSB on alldata about inner tie rods.
I replaced both of my inner tie-rods and no more clunk. Although, it would be far easier (IMO)to just swap steering racks, because my tie-rods were pure rust lol.
A steering rack is like $75 after core.
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Beau
Joined:
Dec 2006
Lock Haven, PA
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i have check the ball joints and the nipple is sticking out. from what i heard that is a gauge for how good your ball joints are. i have the same problem on my 88' RX-7 (that car i changed the ball joints) Clunk is still there??? any other thoughts?
Beau
-1988 Turbo coupe, 5 speed, Homemade boost controller, K&N cold air kit, By-pass-valve
-1988 mercury Cougar XR-7, 5.0
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Pete D
Joined:
Apr 2001
Northern OH
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From an old post:
{quote}Most (if not all) Fox cars have wear indicators built in to the ball joints. The spring puts the ball joints under load, so the "grab the tire and shake" doesn’t really work here. Look at the bottom of the joint - the flat part. There is a circular part in the center, maybe 3/8" to 1/2" diameter. If this is sticking up (pointing down) from the flat surrounding area less than 1 mm, the joints are worn. If it is flush with the flat area, the joint is BADLY worn.{/quote}
There is a lot of things that can make front end noise. Often it can be worn end links and bushings for the sway bar. As others have said it could be tie rod ends. Have you checked lug nuts and wheel bearings first?
Pete Dunham
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