what the hell is that noise???

[fordtechguru]

i have been chasing what sounds like a swaybar end link rattle for some time now, i have changed the spindles, hubs, sway bar end links, and pried on every suspension component in the front end, visually inspected everything i can see, checked the sway bar "bar" bushings which seem o.k.... has anyone been down this road??? the parts guy says the swaybar has been updated for the car but it sure seems tight and fine... then after talking to the shop foreman at the dealer he says check the lower control arm bushings, so i did and they "seem" fine but i didn't unbolt them to check, just pried on them with a prybar to check the flex... also the front tires seem to be wearing just slightly funny, so maybe he is onto something.... sure could use some advise from some of you guys and gals if you've had this concern.. mostly rattles on choppy pavement roads when suspension jounces rapidly... thanx in advance...

 

[beaups]

I have the same rattle. Are your plastic splash shields all on there real good?

 

[LincolnTech38]

what year is your car?

is it a thump/rumble noise? just becuase the sway bar feels tight doesnt mean the bushings arent worn, they always feel tight.

Jay

 

[2001LS8Sport]

I agree with LincolnTech. The rattle from the sway bar is usually in the mounting bushings and they can "seem" good when in fact they aren't.

 

[beaups]

If his sound is like mine, it's a fast rattle not a clunk. like rat-tat-tat 5-10 times in a second.

 

[LSC_YA]

Yea like beaups said its more like a a fast rattle, although it does kind of sound like a fast clunk also. With that being said, you have to buy a new revised sway bar with the bushings premently bonded to the bar. We just replaced ours a couple of weeks ago. It cost 96.00 at LM dealer. By the way if you do it yourself, be sure to pack a lunch and maybe dinner because it really SUCKS The good thing is it is do able and saves you a lot of cash. good luck...by the way it is so nice with it being nice and quite again. goodluck

 

[fordtechguru]

it's a 2000lsv8, and it's a quick rattle that only rears up on choppy surfaces.... sounds like somthing lighter, i would think the sway bar bushings would be a thud or deeper sound, this sounds loose... the plastics are in good shape except the pass side i can move if i slap it while on the rack, but this sounds metallic kinda, i would swear it sounds just like a taurus plastic endlink going out ( for you dealer guys) thats why i changed them and i've been avoiding the sway bar because... damn... that's alot of work for a guess... i'm half temped to borrow chassis ears from the dealer and go nuts but first i'll hear you guys out...thanx again... p.s. to lyc ya--hows it goin in murfreesburro, i used to live in nolensville off clovercroft rd... suspect hot and humid...do you work at beeman lmc...

 

[LSC_YA]

Hey fordtechguru your right it is hot and humid in the Boro!! Your noise sounds like ours did. It was only heard on choppy surfaces also. I guess we kind of went into it on a guess, but I felt like it was the problem. I can't hear yours ,but I would bet that its your problem. No, I dont work for Beaman LM, Im in the printing industry. When I disconnected the end links I could feel the looseness in the bushings. Good luck and keep us posted

 

[fordtechguru]

thanx guys, the search goes on, i'll let you know what i find..... "but i don't want to work on the damn car"