Suspension/Thunderbird

DCL26

MEMBER
1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
121,000 MILES

I have a 1997 Ford Thunderbird, that is making a sound from the front end. I have replaced the Ball joints and stabilizer links. It usually takes the car about twenty miles of driving before it makes the sound. The sound is like a piece of metal moving and coming to an abrupt stop, but you can tell it is not metal on metal. It happens upon acceleration and when you go over bumps in the road. The sound is coming from the drivers front side. I have checked all mounting bolts, struts and and all suspension parts to see if I can find what is making this sound. Got me and the Ford mechanics stumped at this time. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 AT 5:29 PM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

Locate a tool called a "Chassis Ear". It is a piece of equipment issued to all Chrysler dealers but many mechanics have never seen one or even heard of it. It is a set of six microphones that are plugged into a receiver in the car. You listen with head phones and switch between the microphones while driving the car. By moving the mics around, you can zero in on the source of the noise.

The older model has six wired mics. There is a newer model that uses four wireless mics and two with wires. If you can't find this tool, I'll find the link on the Mac Tools web site.

Caradiodoc

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Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 AT 6:12 PM