So my 2010 XKR recently developed a pretty significant front end noise (classic whop whop whop whop) and front end/steering wheel shake. I initially thought my front passenger rim was bent, causing these issues, which I’ve experienced before with a back rim and this seemed like it was doing the same thing. I was in the market for new wheels, so I replaced all four rims/tires with a set of aftermarket TSW’s. Same offset, only the rear rims are a little wider. After having all 4 tires balanced and mounted, the noise and shake is still there. It’s worse and lower rpms, while breaking, and while going around curves. You can feel it through the entire front end, tho it seems to be coming from the front passenger side mostly. And it’s loud enough to be extremely obnoxious while driving unless the radio is up. It’s a constant noise and shake, and I’m looking for ideas to get this taken care of. I’m almost nervous to drive it in fear it may do more damage, but being my only transportation at the time, I kind of have to. So any help getting this figured out is greatly appreciated. I have not had it aligned in about 1.5yrs, it jus seems like more noise and vibration then that would cause, but I guess it could be anything at this point. Thanks

 

How many miles on your XKR? There are several threads on the forum dealing with bushings and motor mounts. Failure of either or both could cause what you are experiencing.

 

It has 67k miles on it.

 

A bit difficult to diagnose via forum. Are you intending to do the work yourself? Have you taken it to a shop?

 

I haven’t taken it anywhere yet, and yes I was going to see if I could fix it myself. I did find a ball joint nut backed about halfway off, tightened it all the way back down, but still no change

 

That could be awfully dangerous, if you have found a nut undone on the suspension. Get it off the ground and go all over every connection on the suspension and steering, checking fasteners and looking for play in each. Use a bar or a big screw driver to see if there is movement.

 

This is the bushing I found in bad shape on the passenger side

And this is obviously the nut I found backed off on the passenger side as well.

 

If the top picture is the upper A frame ball joint you are lucky so far. It is shot and will either break or separate from the socket. I suspect that what is causing the noise and the vibration may have caused the lower nut to come loose. Don't drive it until it is fixed. Check all of the joints and replace suspect ones.

 

From what I’m seeing so far the upper ball joint and arm are all one piece. So that whole section will have to be replaced? You can’t just replace the upper ball joint itself.

 

Correct, but the upper control arms can be had for cheap. S-Type, Lincoln LS, Thunderbird, XJ all share the same part. The 2010 guys will have to check me but I think the part hasn't changed from the earlier models like mine. I could be wrong:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-Front-...S/272301201155

 

.... or get the ones that list the 2010...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beck-Arnley...ry!84037!US!-1

 

You should check first if the ball joint is in good condition
Usually the rubber boot is teared off and can be replaced without removing the arm

 

How is this done precisely??? Thanks

 

Fairly easy. There isn't really a good place to put leverage on the upper joint though. With the wheel on jack the car up and put it on jack stands. Grab the tire at its axis (12 and 6 o'clock) and rock it. There should be no play. If you hear noise/ play from the upper, you have a bad ball joint. Looking at yours, if it's me, I'm replacing it.

On the lower you can remove the wheel and place a pry bar or screwdriver between the joint and the knuckle and look for play.

 

Just an update, replaced ball joint and wheel bearing, and the shake/noise is gone.