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Home >> Ford >> 2002 >> Taurus SES, 3.0 S >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 979 (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Noise, Vibration And Harshness (NVH) >> Symptom Charts >> Symptom Chart - Suspension Noise/Vibration

Symptom Chart - Suspension Noise/Vibration

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SYMPTOM CHARTS

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 .
  • 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 .
  • 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 .
  • 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 .
  • 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 AXLE SHAFTS .
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop
  • Rear drive axle assembly mispositioned.
  • CHECK the axle mounts and the rear suspension for damage or wear. REPAIR as necessary.
  • Incorrect or high CV joint operating angle.
  • CHECK vehicle ride height is within limits. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to AXLE SHAFTS .
  • 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.