Suspension Rattle

[ledzilla]

I have a rattle coming from the suspension on most harder bumps, but I can't pinpoint if it's left or right, front or back. Well, it's not so much a rattle as it is a clunking sound. Has anyone else experienced something like this?

[jgc61sr2002]

I have a rattle coming from the suspension on most harder bumps, but I can't pinpoint if it's left or right, front or back. Well, it's not so much a rattle as it is a clunking sound. Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Could it be the rubber hood bumpers in need of lubrication?

[justbob]

That^^^ or the front sway bar links.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

Check to see if your spare tire is loose. It will make a clunking sound on bumps if it loose.

[ledzilla]

I know it's not the hood. I know the noise it makes. And I know it's not the spare tire. I have that thing snugged down pretty tight. Especially since I don't hear this noise with the windows closed, only when open, so I know it's an exterior noise. Good idea about the linkages, though. I'll look into that. Once more about the hood, though. Mentioning that reminded me about a thread I found (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=26084). I'm going to look into the hood cushions mentioned in posts 56 & 57. See how it helps my squeak.

[Vortech347]

My 300A had the same issue. It turned out the control arms were loose. Double check them. It did something VERY similar to yours.

[Qrsterling]

My Crown Vic makes little chirping noises when I go over small bumps, and it is annoying when the windows are down. It must be really annoying to my neighbors every time I drive by them. I jacked up one side of the rear end and grabbed/shook different parts. Noticed a slight noise on the rear sway bar link, even though it is new. May be the 9 yr old, rear ctrl arm bushings.

[Marauderjack]

Does it do it when the car is cold/hot??:cool:

[ledzilla]

I have now determined that the rattle is coming from the rear... But I don't know when I'll get the chance to check it out. So far it doesn't seem to matter which wheel hits bumps, they both make noise.

[Qrsterling]

Hot or cold, the rear end makes those same chirping noises. I took off the Watts linkage(s) 2 yrs ago, cleaned them up, painted them and reinstalled them. Bushings looked good with no noticeable deterioration, but I did not do any pressure testing on them, to listen for noises/creaking. When I had the Watt's linkage off, I did push on the rear axle, side-to-side, and did notice a slight noise, but paid little attention to it. I was surprised at how much the rear axle moved without the Watt's. I'm guessing the rear control arm bushings are what's making the noise, after 9 yrs, or the piece that holds the Watt's to the rear pumpkin. Any other suggestions?

[illwood]

I was surprised at how much the rear axle moved without the Watt's.
I'm not surprised that there was a lot of motion with the Watt's linkage removed. The Watt's linkage is what centers the rear end under the car. Since our car has a parallel 4-link rear, it needs something to locate it (Watts or panhard bar).

My Mustang gets away with only the 4 links for the rear because the upper links are at the top of the pumpkin and angle out towards the rear subframe. This locates the rear (and causes suspension binding).