Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had some insight for me on this topic...

I've been getting a clunking noise that occurs whenever I go over a series of undulations. Anyhow, NTB said I needed lower control arm bushings when I went to get inspected... so I did both front LCA bushings, along with new tie rod ends and ball joints. Nothing changed. So then I did SRT-4 suspension (supposedly only had 12k on it). Still clunks. Anyone have any ideas? The swaybar also seemed to be ok. On a side note, I've also just recently done the t-belt w/new dampeners and side engine mount. I've done all of the work personally and I didn't see anything out of place up front FWIW.

So... something out back? Some other random mount/bushing? Anyone with any experience - I'd really appreciate help so I stop chasing my tail.

Thanks!
-Trevor

 

Did you check your shocks? I've heard those make noises when they're bad; especially going over bumps. You did say suspension but just wondering.

 

Are the sway bar bushings and end links in good condition, and tight? Are the tophats on your "new" suspension good?

 

That's one of the things I'm trying to figure out... If somehow there are bad strut mounts or something.

As for the swaybar, I had to pull the endlinks off whenever I did the control arm bushings, and they went back on and all seemed ok. I'm not 100% sure though as they're such a weird style endlink compared to what I'm used to. The bushings on the subframe seemed fine.

 

Have one of your buddys put their hands on the swaybar bushings while you rock the car back and forth. Sounds like the bushings, I had the same problem. You should feel movement when you rock the car.

 

Bushings or endlinks?

 

Bushings. When Dodge sway bar bushings go bad they sound like struts. I got them both for $6 at the dealer.

 

yep wish i would have read the post BEFORE i put 4 new struts and strut mounts on the 05 neon! Guess ill try the away bar bushings tomorrow.

jeff
USMC

 

So, sounds like I have the same problem..... how hard is it to replace those sway bar bushings ? Do you have to remove the sway bar from the car or do you just need to unbolt the two chassis mount brackets and somehow insert the new bushings and then put the brackets back on .? thanks... Helps to know what you are getting into before you crawl under the car ....

 

You have to remove it. The bushings are a solid, round piece that needs to be slid onto the sway bar. You'll need quite a bit of muscle to get those damn things on.