Hi, I have a 2008 S-Type 4.2L NA. Just replaced rear sway bar links. One wheel bearing. Front control arms. (ball joints etc). Though the car drives way better I am getting a "clunking" sound when I hit bumps. Could this be caused by the front sway arm bushings? Shock bushing look good. Car has about 50k miles.

Thanks!

 

So someone stop me if I'm wrong, but going through the suspension, one by one, disconnect what was done, diving safely see what one it might be -- process of...

 

Actually the other thing I read was that after doing suspension work one should only "tighten" the work down WHILE it's on it's wheels -- ride height and weight. Is this true? Anyone?

 

I have heard that said many times, but I've never done it personally... mainly because it's practically impossible most of the time to get a torque rench onto stuff when the car is on its wheels!
What type of clunk is it? Does it sound like just a single solid clunk, or more like a rattling clunk that goes on for a second or so?

 

It's a "bumping" sound from the front. I hit a slight irregularity and it bumps like something is loose.

 

Sounds like the anti-roll bar D-bushes. I recently had the same problem. It was a fairly cheap fix to replace them, but a pig to get to the right side one. I remember needing to move the DCCV out the way for access.

 

And just having bad sway-bar bushes would make that much noise? But I guess that means the sway bar itself can sort of slide around. I'll have a look, thanks for the idea.

 

Depending upon how badly worn they are, it is possible for them to be very noisy.
Although, please bear in mind that there are other bushes that can also clonk and bonk when worn. Without being physically with you to check the car, it isn’t possible to give a definite diagnosis.

 

Understood. Thanks

 

Obviously, the noise on my car annoyed the previous owner, so he put wood screws into the rubber to make it swell. It didn’t work 😂.
I put polyurethane bushes on, but I think they transmit too much vibration. You might want to get good quality rubber replacements instead.

 

Will try to get my hands on OEM. Wood screws? That just landed. Yeah, must have really bothered him.

 

I don’t think you can get OEM wood screws, but you could try Home Depot😂

 

They've got EVERYTHING!

 

OK, just to put a stake through this thread: I put in a set of OEM (!) front sway bar bushings and all is blissful silence. Thanks all! (O yeah, no luck with the OEM wood screws!)

 

I’m not surprised; they’re in hot demand!
Thanks for letting us know how you got on. Glad it worked out well for you.

 

this exactly. You fixed other problems so if the bushes are worn they will be sure to show their wear now. Well i posted before i read thru that you fixed it. Nice work anyway

 

Was it making the same noise before changing the front control arms?

If not then that is your problem!!

Did you get OEM control arms, or cheap ones from e-bay? If it is the cheap ones it could well be somthing as simple as the bolt holes in the bushes are slightly too big for the bolts!!
Did you try the bolts before fitting it? They need to be a very snug fit.

 

Thanks Mellow. It was the sway bar bushings. I always try to use OEM because I don't like doing things twice.

 

yes it’s true and yes this can cause clunking. I learned that the hard way. But I do as I get everything put on and then put a jack under the tire to compress the suspension before torquing
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Having the car weight on the wheels when you tighten that stuff up is critical in my opinion

 

Definitely need the car on the ground.