Symptom Chart - Suspension Noise/Vibration

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM CHART - SUSPENSION NOISE/VIBRATION

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Squeak or grunt - noise from the front suspension, occurs more in cold ambient temperatures. More noticeable over rough roads or when turning	Front stabilizer bar insulators.	Under these conditions, the noise is acceptable. CHECK TSBs.
Clunk - noise from the front suspension, occurs in and out of turns	Loose front struts or shocks.	INSPECT for loose nuts or bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION .
Clunk - noise from the rear suspension, occurs when shifting from REVERSE to DRIVE	Loose rear suspension components.	INSPECT for loose or damaged rear suspension components. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
Click or pop - noise from the front suspension. More noticeable over rough roads or over bumps	Worn or damaged ball joints.	CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. INSTALL new ball joints or control arms as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION .
Click or pop (FWD vehicles) - noise occurs when vehicle is turning	Worn or damaged ball joints.	CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. INSTALL new ball joints or control arms as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION .
Click or snap - occurs when accelerating around a corner	Damaged or worn outboard CV joint.	INSPECT the outboard CV joint and boot. REPAIR or INSTALL a new CV joint as necessary. REFER to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
Front suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Steering components. Loose or bent front struts or shock absorbers. Damaged spring or spring mounts. Damaged or worn control/radius arm bushings. Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushings or links.	GO to PINPOINT TEST H .
Rear suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Loose or bent rear shock absorbers. Damaged spring or spring mounts. Damaged or worn control arm bushings. Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushings or links.	GO to PINPOINT TEST I .
Shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop	Incorrect or high CV joint operating angle.	CHECK vehicle ride height is within limits. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
	Damaged or worn front suspension components.	CHECK for a loose stabilizer bar, damaged or loose strut/strut bushings or loose or worn ball joints. INSPECT the steering linkage for wear or damage. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary.
Shimmy - most noticeable on coast/deceleration. Also hard steering condition	Excessive positive caster.	CHECK the caster alignment angle. CORRECT as necessary. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .