Front End Looseness on High Mile Stang, What Do I Do?

[rseifert]

I have 92' that runs like a top, but lateley I've noticed that loose kinda clunking noise that comes from the front end of high mileage cars. What is this exactly and what can I do to fix it? Also, is there usually any problems w/ the universal joints in high mileage Fox Stangs? Thanks

 

[mike keirstead]

Jack it up and give everything a shake and a look. Theres alot of bushings in the front end that could get wore out. I bet its a bushing of some kind.

 

[HISSIN50]

several things come to mind. ball joints will make a clunk as they are worn. when going over a bump, they load and unload, causing a clunk. jack up the front, use jack stands, etc. grab wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and push pull the wheel/tire. if you get some movement, suggests ball joint.
if there is movement, do same at 3 and 9 o'clock. if there is movement, tighten the not for the wheel bearings and or replace them. once tight at 3 and 9, now recheck the 12 and 6 test. if loose, bad ball joints. not hard to do.

control arm bushings can cause some clunk if really bad. visual inspection.

the bushing in the top of the strut can cause clunking for same reason for reason as ball joint.

these are the biggies that come to mind. good luck.