Jim Grant's Tech Tips
94
Ford Aerostar, Front End Clunk
Q: I
am writing because of a problem with my '94 Ford Aerostar Van. When I
turn the steering wheel to make a corner I hear a clunk in the front end
and also feel it in the front floor. If I make that same turn in the same
direction this will not happen again but if I turn in the opposite direction
it will clunk again. If I turn in that same direction it will not do it
again until I turn in the opposite direction. It feels like the body may
be shifting.
I
have had several garages look at it with no solution to be found. I decided
to write to you and see if you had any ideas or maybe have run into this
problem on another vehicle which may help me out......Robert
A: I
would suggest a closer inspection of the bolts that secure the vehicle's
front suspension. One problem area is the bolts that secure the upper
control arm to the unibody and cross member assembly. There are 5 bolts
in all, 2 short and three long bolts that travel through the upper control
arm mounting brackets, the unibody and into the cross member assembly.
If the bolts are not properly tightened a suspension clunk can develop
when the steering wheel is being turned. The factory specifications for
tightening these bolts is 145-155 ft. lb.
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