Guys, my 2002 MCS has a loud clunk on what I perceive as the front right suspension. The weird part is that it goes away after driving for 15 to 20 minutes. If I let the car sit for a good 4 hours it will come back.

Here is what I've done:
- control arm bushings are new
- engine mounts, new
- ball joints, their solid

I've had the car checked by two suspension mechanics and yesterday at the dealer and still haven't found a definite fix.

What the dealer had to say is that it's a common problem related to the PS pump and that after a few turns, the system recharges itself and the clunk goes away. I think this is complete BS.

Anybody care to shed some light on the subject?

 

Checked all front suspension ? Sway bar links, tie rods, CV Shafts and boots. Sometimes the early cars have a strut mount that clunks or the bearing plate makes noise. Once you turn a couple tings and warm up the grease in the bearing plate for the strut the noise gets quieter. You also can check the power steering Pump bushings. If you can move it by hand and make it clunk against the sub frame or bottom engine mount pretty good bet its the bushings are worn/ defective

 

Calz,
Thanks for your reply. I'm going over your suggestions and I'm having trouble identifying the strut mount and bearing plate you mention. If it's not too much to ask, can you tell me the item numbers we're talking about on the following diagram:

http://www.penskeparts.com/DiagramsM...png?v=06222010

Thanks.

L.

 

Did you check the swaybar bushings? We commonly see them making noise.

 

Remove Cap (5) and you can actually see the bearing inside. Should be thoroughly coated in fresh or fresh "looking" grease. You can actually add some bearing grease too. Just pack it with your fingers. We use Castrol mineral bearing grease

 

WMW,
Well, we lifted the car and inspected them visually and it doesn't seem to shift. I remember when I changed the control arm bushings, with bracket, so I had to lower the frame and detach the swaybar, didn't notice anything abnormal with the bushings.

 

If you think it is the bearing plate you can take the front wheels off the ground, release the steering lock and manually move the front wheels through its steering operation. Check for binding and noise