[Bobby112]

I just replaced my outer tie rod end and sway bar link and I am still having the same issue. When I am driving it makes a clunking noise any time I go over the smallest bump. Any clue on what it could be?

[peva]

Several things it could be, but sway bar bushings is/are one (or actually two) of them.

[Scooter-Man]

Also, the sway bar end links could be bad. These end links easily come off and check both ball joints. You have to remove it from the car to check them, they are either in tension or compression while on the car and you cannot determine if a ball joint is bad.

I too had the similar noise, removed the end link, bingo, bad joint.

Here's the thread with a few pictures.

http://www.dodgeintrepid.net/showthread.php?t=198516

Late!

[rohrt]

I have the same thing. I have replaced the lower balljoint and outer tie rods and still have a clunking up front.

I will give those swaybar links a try.

[peva]

I didn't mention those because he said he already replaced them. Hmm - he did say 'link' - singular.

[Ronbo]

If the sway bar end link has been replaced already on the side with the noise...then I'm with Peva for sway bar bushings.

What do the strut isolators look like? How about the strut mount and bearing? Can't really tell on those unless you remove the strut assembly from the car and take it apart.

[Squilliam]

Do the LCA's come with new bushings? If not bad bushings for the tension struts?

[paintballdude05]

LCA's come with new bushings, I just replaced one on the Special last weekend. Ball joint play can be checked by placing one hand on the wheel at 12 and the other at 6. Rock the wheel back and forth to check for play. I replaced both of mine with Mavotech(sp) and they seemed to be well made for the price.

[Bobby112]

I replaced the swaybar links and still have the same thing. Maybe I didn't tighten them enough?

[Bobby112]

How hard is the sway bar bushing to remove and replace?

[paintballdude05]

Pretty easy IMO. Took me less than two hours to do mine and I took my time. Clean the threads and use Anti-Seize when inserting the bolts back on the brackets to make things easier for you.

[GTXKen]

Sway bar links go out pretty often, its pretty easy to identify a broken end by grabbing the link and moving it. Next I'd check the sway bar and strut rod bushings. Another noise maker are the spring isolaters. On the top and bottom of each spring is a piece of rubber between the upper and lower spring seat. These make lots of noise when you hit the bottom of the driveway. By time a car gets this old all of these things are wearing out and you will end up replacing one after another.

[lincolnpicillo]

Good advice about any fastener reassembly on the outside of your car. If you don't have any go to autozone and get the big grey one.

[peva]

Big grey what? Not following what you're saying.

[Ronbo]

Maybe he meant the big gray container of Permatex Anti-Seize like what's in the lower left of this picture?