Front End Popping. Help!

[soctty7676]

Hey all, I need some advice, please bear with this long email and give me any advice you can. I put on new munroe senstrac's all around my car about 8 months ago. Well, about 2 days ago, everytime I apply the brakes or make a turn, there is a popping noise coming from the passenger side suspension. I raised the car up, turn the wheel, no popping sound, put it back down, it pops. And when I say pops, it makes about 8 popping noises turning the wheel all the way to the right. About 3-4 when applying the brakes.

I put my head down there, and it seems to be coming from the shock, so I took off the main nut on the top mount, then zapped it back on tight with an impact wrench....Still pops.

I also checked the ball-joints, the boots are torn, and I need to replace them, but I don't think this is where the popping is coming from. I really think it is the shock.

So, I am going to replace both the shocks and the lower ball joints and have a couple questions. Has anyone else had this problem with the sensatracs? They have a lifetime warranty, so I am going to try to take them back and get new replacement ones.

Also, looks like I am going to have to take off the lower a-arms to take them somewhere to have the ball joints pressed out and in. When I lower the a-arm, how hard is it going to be to take the spring out?

Thanks!

 

[soctty7676]

I was looking around and found this! http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38335

Will it allow me to remove and replace the ball-joints without taking the lower a-arm off???? That would be suuweet!

 

[DTNODYA]

It is probably your tie rod end. Could also be your inner tie rod or ball joints ...

Taking the springs out is easy. Way back in the day when I first lowered my car, I rented a spring compressor and it exploded! So, I just put my foot on the shock as I guide the A-arm down (but don't advise that method ... disclaimer or whatever).... Regardless, it's easy and if you use a spring compressor, good luck.

 

[soctty7676]

Well, I ordered the part from harbor freight. I will see if it works or not.

I don't think it is the tie rod end. When I turn the wheel, it feels pretty tight and the sound doesn't see to be coming from that. I really think it is the shock, because the sound emits through the sheetmetal in the fenderwell.

I think I will replace the lower ball joints. Try it out, if it makes the noise still, then I will replace the shocks again.

 

[triggz]

My friends 99 V6 did this exact same thing, but it wasnt the shocks, it had bullitt shocks and h&r springs that are now on his 00 GT and it makes no noises..

More than likely something on the steering rack.

 

[soctty7676]

The only reason I don't think it has to do with the steering is because it makes the popping noise when I hit the brakes and the front dives. I don't know, I will probably replace parts in this order....lower ball joints, shocks, tie rod ends, steering rack, sell car. Just kidding about the last. I would probably buy a whole new k-member with lower a-arms and coil overs!

Has anyone else with Monroe sensatracs had problems with them?

 

[DTNODYA]

FWIW, to answer your question about the ball joint tool ... yes, you can replace the ball joints without taking off the A-arm. Use an impact if you have one to turn the clamp.

Also for what it's worth, one time my caliper bolt came loose and was causing a bumping noise when I turned, hit the brakes, strarted driving ... etc. So just check that too .....

 

[soctty7676]

Thanks for the advice! I checked the caliper bolts last night after the tip. That's the last thing I want flying off!

The noise has turned into more of a creaking sound than popping now. Even makes the sound when I get out of the car.

Anyways, this weekend I am going to change out the lower ball joints, outer tie rod ends, and shocks (see if advance will replace them under warranty). Then get an alignment.

Anything else you guys can think of that I should replace before I pay for an alignment?

Are there inner tie rod ends inside the boots of the rack? If so, should they be replaced? It is a 98 GT with 90,000 miles. The steering feels very tight, no play, just doing the tie rod ends for preventive maintenance.