Pinpoint Test F: Front Suspension Noise

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

F1 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE
- Test drive the vehicle.
- During the road test, drive the vehicle over a rough road. Using ChassisEARs, determine from which area/component the noise is originating.
- Is there a squeak, creak or rattle noise?
Yes: : GO to F2.

No: The suspension system is OK. CONDUCT a diagnosis of other suspect systems.
F2 INSPECT THE STEERING SYSTEM
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
- Check the steering system for wear or damage. Carry out a steering linkage test. Refer to STEERING SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Inspect the tire wear pattern. Refer to the TIRE WEAR PATTERNS TABLE .
- Are the steering components worn or damaged?
Yes: REPAIR the steering system. INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.

No: GO to F3.
F3 FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER/STRUT CHECK
- Check the front shock absorbers/strut mounts for loose bolts or nuts.
- Check the front shock absorbers/struts for wear or damage. Carry out a bounce test.
- Are the front shock absorbers/struts loose or damaged?
Yes: TIGHTEN to specifications if loose. INSTALL new front shock absorbers/struts if damaged. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION . TEST the system for normal operation.

No: : GO to F4.
F4 CHECK THE FRONT SPRINGS
- Check the front springs and front spring mounts/brackets for wear or damage.
- Are the front springs or spring mounts/brackets worn or damaged?
Yes: REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION . TEST the system for normal operation.

No: GO to F5.
F5 CHECK THE CONTROL ARMS/RADIUS ARMS
- Inspect the control arm bushings for wear or damage.
- Inspect for a twisted or bent control arm/radius arm.
- Are the control arm/radius arms damaged or worn?
Yes: REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION . TEST the system for normal operation.

No: GO to F6.
F6 CHECK THE STABILIZER BAR/TRACK BAR
- Check the stabilizer bar/track bar bushings and links for damage or wear.
- Check the stabilizer bar/track bar for damage.
- Check for loose or damaged stabilizer bar isolators or brackets.
- Are the stabilizer bar/track bar components loose, worn or damaged?
Yes: REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION . TEST the system for normal operation.

No: Suspension system OK. CONDUCT a diagnosis of other suspect systems.