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snecky

05-18-2012 06:02 PM

Suspension ? Clunks

Hi ,I have a 2000 Neon with 124,000 miles . I just renewed suspension all round but am getting clunks when going over bumps . I used monroe quick struts on the front ,but just changed out the struts on the rear I read that it may be lower control bushings ,but how do I check these? also noises seem to come from front and rear . Thanks . Rod

darthroush

05-18-2012 06:14 PM

Buying a used Neon? What to look for...

Quote:

Some sounds to listen for:
Squeaking and/or creaking while going over bumps- worn/torn lower control arm bushings or sway bar bushings.
Creaking while turning- worn outer tie rod ends.
Clunking while going over bumps- worn lower ball joints or sway bar bushings.

I'd check out the lower ball joints and sway bar bushings for wear, and make sure no sway bar mounts have busted off [mainly due to rust back East]. To check the lower control arm bushings, it's as simple as looking at them to see if they are torn. They should be solid.

snecky

05-19-2012 12:04 AM

Thanks , sorry for being so clueless, but what is the best way to check the ball joint ?

snecky

05-19-2012 12:22 AM

So looking at this ,it appears I can either buy the control arm complete ,or buy the ball joint and the bushing and install them myself for a fraction of the cost .? how difficult a job is this ?

darthroush

05-19-2012 12:23 AM

I'm just copying and pasting this from BITOG:

Quote:

Jack up the front end. Use jack stands also to keep it safe.
Grasping the top and bottom of each wheel, pull on the bottom and push on the top to feel for play. Then pull on the top while pushing on the bottom. You are rocking from the side of the vehicle to the center of it to test for clearance between the ball and the socket. You really need to but your back into it. If you feel ANY play you have a bad ball joint or the it may be loose wheel bearings (but you may be able to 'feel' where the clearance is). Replace both sides even if only one side feels loose.

Moparkyle

05-19-2012 10:23 AM

You'd be better off buying the whole control arm because you won't have to press anything in or out..

I would check the sway bar bushings and outer tie-rods though as well.

darthroush

05-19-2012 08:24 PM

You don't have to press the old bushings out. You can knock most of the bushing out with a hammer and socket, and burn the rest off.

TejasMtnBiker

05-22-2012 05:49 PM

I soaked mine in PB penetrate oil for a n hour an they popped right out with a hammer & old air wrench socket. Was really simple too, and go with the aftermarket bushings too. If one is bad they all are bad. Once all done with a day of work in the drive way it will ride/drive better then when it was new. Even if you run hard, low pro hankooks

A HUGE thanks to whom ever put it on here =)

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