What the eff else could be clunking???

[fbird18]

New on both sides of front end:
-tie rod end (oem)
-lower ball joint (oem)
-hub/wheel bearing (oem)
-shock (oem)
-spring (oem)
-sway bar end link (oem)
-sway bar bushings (energy suspension)

There is a non-stop clunking from the front end as I drive over uneven pavement. This is extremely frustating because I have nearly replaced everything in the front end suspension. Only things really left are the upper and lower control arm bushings, and those look good still. Does anyone have any other ideas of what it might be? And with my bumper off my car for the time being, now is the best time to get in there and fix what I can. Any insight appreciated.

 

[nickandersonLS01]

I have this same exact problem but its the rear right wheel, I was told it could be a wheel bearing but I took it in and they had no idea what it was.

 

[starfox86]

90% sure it's the upper control arm bushings. Are they worn, cracked, broken?

 

[craigh]

Usually this is the front sway bar bushings. OEM in early models are not good.

 

[toomanyfumes]

Long shot but check the brakes. I had a clunk in the front end, had the Lincoln dealer check it and they found the Toyota dealer I bought it from had put in cheap Chinese pads with no anti-rattle clips. They replaced them with OEM pads, and the Toyota dealer paid for them.

 

[97stscaddy]

Upper control arm bushings. Upper Ball joints. Strut mount bushing or bearing. Or worn struts. One of those would be my guess.

 

[LsUnV2]

Strut mount bushing .... everything else is new...

 

[fbird18]

Yeah pretty much everything is new in there. I did the brakes, and those are all good. If I were to replace the upper control arms, that would come with the upper ball joint and the bushings right? I don't think I will anytime soon though cuz those looked and felt fine. The only thing I'm questioning now is the strut mount bushing. What and where is that? Is that in that upper shock cap with the four bolts that bolt to the fender?

 

[97stscaddy]

I'm on a different computer so I don't have the links to the LS service manual but the strut mount bearing/bushing assembly sits on top of the strut. Sometimes theyre removable sometimes theyre not. Come to think of it though, its probably just a bushing on the LS.

 

[Ocala-LSguy]

I have this same exact problem but its the rear right wheel, I was told it could be a wheel bearing but I took it in and they had no idea what it was.

My 2000 LS also has a faint popping/bumping noise coming from the rear around 20-45 mph. I replaced the links, and just ordered adjustment links because of the torn boots, and ordered two rebuilt complete rear axles (easier than replacing the CV joints) because I'm starting to think it is a CV joint. I'll try to update later.