97 Front end issues

[Debo250]

Guys, if you can help me solve this issue I can get my Bullet Turbos off the living room floor and under the car. Question #1: Can front strut mounts make a loud popping sound when turning the wheels back and forth? This happens while stationary or moving at fairly low speeds. All lower suspension parts ie, bushings, tie rods, stabilizer links, etc. have been ruled out. I still have the clunking issue too which sounds just like struts. It looks like both sounds are pointing to replacing the struts and all associated hardware. Question #2: What is the downside to going with KYB struts instead of SARC from the dealer, other than the obvious - cost? The handling the way FOMOCO meant it to be is just fine with me and I'd hate to go KYB and feel it was a big mistake. Has anyone put the KYB's on and have any input they'd like to share? Thanks.

Duane.

 

[JoesSHO]

My '97 did that, I read on the forum a few different searched posts that you could **** the top of the contacts up where the strut hits the strut tower and it would go away. I didn't do it, since I sold the car, but you may want to search, I think it is exactly what you're looking for...

Can't help on the KYB's. Sorry!

 

[me6894]

i just think your strut mounts are bad

 

[Debo250]

i just think your strut mounts are bad

I'd love that to be the case. Can the mounts make clunking sounds while driving a straight line even over fairly smooth surfaces?

 

[JoesSHO]

Well is it a clunking sound when driving or a popping sound when turnig the wheel when sitting stationary? That's two completely different things...

 

[Debo250]

That's my point. There are 2 distinct noises and all research thus far points to the popping being strut mounts and the clunking possibly the struts. My question was could the mounts cause both noises? Thanks for weighing in.

 

[Debo250]

Well is it a clunking sound when driving or a popping sound when turnig the wheel when sitting stationary? That's two completely different things...

And the clunking is when driving and popping is when turning the steering wheel back and forth either stationary or moving at moderate speeds. This means less than 60 mph as I don't have the guts to zig zag any faster than that

 

[JoesSHO]

I would then agree with me6894. If your mounts are bad, (or possibly loose) you could have a binding issue when turning (as they pinch), and a clunking issue when driving. I'd drop the struts and check the mounts. Good luck!

 

[Debo250]

I like how that sounds. Either way the struts have to come out so if the mounts are the culprits it should be evident then. Thanks a bunch!

P.S. If I get off this easy it'll mean my Bullets go on that much sooner. Man, this maintenance stuff gets expensive.

 

[JoesSHO]

Meh- mufflers are overrated... Just straight pipe it!

Check out my '97...

Behind the car

In the car

Kickdown in the car

I hope ya have a subwoofer hooked to your computer- it's sex in stereo!

 

[Debo250]

Hey I've heard that first clip before. In my younger days I'd do the straight pipe thing in a New York minute and say "deal with it neighbor". But now I'm a mild mannered husband, father of 3, plus a dog living in suburbia so I must have restraint. I will live vicariously however through the generous donations of improper thought evoking sound clips from the likes of you! I'll probably 86 the 3rd cat but leave the res as I'm shooting for stock late Mustang GT sound (maybe just a tich louder but not Cobra like). I like your ride man!

 

[ShoREV]

I get the clunking sound off an on with my 97 and found this at V8sho.com;
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/clunk.html and http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/clunk2.html. I believe you can pick up the sway bar kit for around $100 at SHOshop.com.

 

[Debo250]

I get the clunking sound off an on with my 97 and found this at V8sho.com;
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/clunk.html and http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/clunk2.html. I believe you can pick up the sway bar kit for around $100 at SHOshop.com.

Very interesting info here. Have you tried this yet? I wonder if the sway bar bushings can be causing the popping sounds even if the car is not moving when I turn the wheels back & forth.

 

[stephen newberg]

No, not the pop. The sway bar bushing might be the clunk, but the pop when turning the wheel is almost certainly the bearing race at the top of the strut mount. The clunk could be any of the mentioned things. The struts themselves are very likely not the problem.

pax, smn

 

[Debo250]

No, not the pop. The sway bar bushing might be the clunk, but the pop when turning the wheel is almost certainly the bearing race at the top of the strut mount. The clunk could be any of the mentioned things. The struts themselves are very likely not the problem.

pax, smn

Thanks for the input. I agree with you and either way by this week's end I'll have this resolved. I'm glad to hear no one thinks the struts themselves are the problem. Look for my post soon with the outcome.

Thanks again to all on SHOForum.