2003 Taurus/Sable Bump Clunking

[Stephen_G]

It only clunks over bumps, not when i go outside and push down on any of the four corners.

Am i right in thinking it might be the sway bar end links going?

 

[beast3300]

Links are easy to figure out. The front links are ball socket design, just grab the link and twist and or pull. You can usually determine if they are bad from that.

The rear are just long bolts with washers etc. Those style are either broken in two or intact.

 

[yonyon]

If you can get it on ramps, I like to grap the bar at each end (not at the same time) and push up and down while feeling for play in the joints. However you check them, if they turn out to be the problem, remember that the when installing new ones the nuts need to be VGDF tight. If you make them only insanely tight, they'll be too loose and will clunk while silently laughing at you with an evil glee.

 

[mechtech2]

Yes, sway bar end links are #1, although there may be another [or multiple] problems.

 

[artificialist]

First I would think the sway bar links are failing
Second, the upper strut mounts might be failing. Good thing you can buy quick struts or their equivalent for a Taurus
Third, the Taurus is prone to front lower ball joint failure. There might be no lateral ply, but there may be vertical play. Pry between the ball joint and steering knuckle to check.
Fourth, pry against your control arm bushings. You should really have to put some effort into making them move 1/4 of an inch. If they move easily, replace the control arm or the bushing.

Also, keep in mind that since I live where there is no road salt, there may be other parts that can be a problem that I am not aware of, because I rarely see cars exposed to that stuff.

 

[patfan]

Check springs above shocks mine did the same and it was a broken sring which part of it came over the lip.The parts guy at the local ford dealer said it was a common problem.