SVT READ THIS
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Joined: May 2000
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From: England
SVT READ THIS
Many of us have the dreaded clunk to the front suspension. We are all aware of what is causing this, the lower front wishbone inner mounting bolt. sitting in an elongated hole and moving.
My steering is now becoming dangerous as the steering geometry is not set up correctly any longer, the steering follows the ruts in the road and pulls to the left.
I have heard of several people that have tried star washers.....well that doesn't work. Others who have tried to weld a washer.
Some who have changed there wishbones!
Dealers don't know how to fix it, so lets here it from SVT........Can you here me.
Even if you have to fabricate a new washer or bolt with a sleeve to take out the slack.
Whats going to happen when theres a serious accident and a crash investigator sees a welded bolt underneath...ummmmmm he thinks.
Come on guys give it your best shot and post a fix (a part) to eleviate the problem.
And we can all drive around with our arm out of the window, instead of holding on for dear life with two hands.
My steering is now becoming dangerous as the steering geometry is not set up correctly any longer, the steering follows the ruts in the road and pulls to the left.
I have heard of several people that have tried star washers.....well that doesn't work. Others who have tried to weld a washer.
Some who have changed there wishbones!
Dealers don't know how to fix it, so lets here it from SVT........Can you here me.
Even if you have to fabricate a new washer or bolt with a sleeve to take out the slack.
Whats going to happen when theres a serious accident and a crash investigator sees a welded bolt underneath...ummmmmm he thinks.
Come on guys give it your best shot and post a fix (a part) to eleviate the problem.
And we can all drive around with our arm out of the window, instead of holding on for dear life with two hands.
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Joined: Mar 1999
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From: New Orleans
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 459
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From: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
Nick D, I would be very much surprised if SVT or Ford acknowledged reading this Board. I told you what my 100% fix is. Replace the lower control arms and you said that is in the works for you.
Because several people said it was loony to have a four wheel alignment done on a vehicle with solid read axle, I double-checked with my Service Rep today at Sheehy Ford in Gaithersburg, Md. He said that they align the front wheels to the back wheels as part of the alignment. I did not catch all the technical jargon, but that is mostly what this is all about.
If anybody has any doubts or complaints about this issue check with your own Dealer or call John D. Schaening at 301-258-1015. Ask for J.D. in the Service Dept.
By the way, J.D says that four wheel alignments are mandatory on most newer cares if you want a proper alignment and tracking.
Because several people said it was loony to have a four wheel alignment done on a vehicle with solid read axle, I double-checked with my Service Rep today at Sheehy Ford in Gaithersburg, Md. He said that they align the front wheels to the back wheels as part of the alignment. I did not catch all the technical jargon, but that is mostly what this is all about.
If anybody has any doubts or complaints about this issue check with your own Dealer or call John D. Schaening at 301-258-1015. Ask for J.D. in the Service Dept.
By the way, J.D says that four wheel alignments are mandatory on most newer cares if you want a proper alignment and tracking.
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Redlite (Rich),
You likely had the wrong Arms from the get go, that was your problem...
The tech set your Thrust angle. Some consider this 4-wheel alingment, I do not. I had to talk to your tech, as JD did not know much of anything.
Additionally, as your problem was front suspension only, setting the thrust angle is wasting time and money. Another one of the damn dealer service departments wrong ways to get more money. I'm really skeptical that they performed this check.
Incase someone is wondering this is the best definition I could find fast (and didn't have to write):
You likely had the wrong Arms from the get go, that was your problem...
The tech set your Thrust angle. Some consider this 4-wheel alingment, I do not. I had to talk to your tech, as JD did not know much of anything.
Additionally, as your problem was front suspension only, setting the thrust angle is wasting time and money. Another one of the damn dealer service departments wrong ways to get more money. I'm really skeptical that they performed this check.
Incase someone is wondering this is the best definition I could find fast (and didn't have to write):
The thrust angle is defined as the deviation between the bisector of the total rear toe angle of the vehicle (the thrust line) and the vehicle centerline.
This is a tad more complicated than is sounds.. the centerline of the vehicle is defined NOT by the axle midpoints, but rather by the position of each of the vehicle wheels. In an extreme example, imagine a car which is narrower in the front than in the rear. If you draw lines connecting the tires on the left side of the car (front & rear) and the tires on the right side of the car (front and rear), the lines will intersect at some point in space out infront of the car. Bisect the angle formed by the intersection of these lines, and you will have the centerline of the vehicle's wheel system. Usually this is very close to the chassis centerline (as measured by the axle midpoints), but it's not exactly the same.
Next, to determine the total rear toe angle, the toe angle for each rear wheel is determined relative to the wheel system centerline. The sum of these angles is the total rear toe angle. If you project lines parallel to the face of each rear wheel, the two lines will intersect somewhere at a point unless the wheels are exactly parallel to each other. The angle at which these lines intersect is the total rear toe angle. Bisecting this angle with a line yields the thrust line of the vehicle. This is the direction the two rear wheels of the vehicle would travel if allowed to just roll along.
Finally, the angle measured between the vehicle's wheel system centerline (as determined by the position of all four wheels) and the thrust line of the vehicle (determined by the pointing direction of the rear wheels) is measured as the thrust angle.
This is a tad more complicated than is sounds.. the centerline of the vehicle is defined NOT by the axle midpoints, but rather by the position of each of the vehicle wheels. In an extreme example, imagine a car which is narrower in the front than in the rear. If you draw lines connecting the tires on the left side of the car (front & rear) and the tires on the right side of the car (front and rear), the lines will intersect at some point in space out infront of the car. Bisect the angle formed by the intersection of these lines, and you will have the centerline of the vehicle's wheel system. Usually this is very close to the chassis centerline (as measured by the axle midpoints), but it's not exactly the same.
Next, to determine the total rear toe angle, the toe angle for each rear wheel is determined relative to the wheel system centerline. The sum of these angles is the total rear toe angle. If you project lines parallel to the face of each rear wheel, the two lines will intersect somewhere at a point unless the wheels are exactly parallel to each other. The angle at which these lines intersect is the total rear toe angle. Bisecting this angle with a line yields the thrust line of the vehicle. This is the direction the two rear wheels of the vehicle would travel if allowed to just roll along.
Finally, the angle measured between the vehicle's wheel system centerline (as determined by the position of all four wheels) and the thrust line of the vehicle (determined by the pointing direction of the rear wheels) is measured as the thrust angle.
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Joined: May 2000
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From: Garden Grove,Ca. USA three block from Disney Land the Second best Ride
Redlite!
For some unknown reason Pepboys and those kind of places offer both four and two wheel alignments but most people are to cheap to get it done the correct way. But the correct way is a four wheel alignment when I have my big truck done it's a 10 wheel alignment or a least a three axle. If you don't what you have as I'm sure you guys have seen is a car going down the road Dog Legging It as it is called. With the back end two or three inches to the right or left.
SVT if you are reading this read https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/004290.html
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1999 Red SVT Lightning
#3466 of 4000
NLOC #428
99 Grand Prix GTP Red
[This message has been edited by Super Chicken (edited 07-06-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Super Chicken (edited 07-06-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Super Chicken (edited 07-06-2000).]
For some unknown reason Pepboys and those kind of places offer both four and two wheel alignments but most people are to cheap to get it done the correct way. But the correct way is a four wheel alignment when I have my big truck done it's a 10 wheel alignment or a least a three axle. If you don't what you have as I'm sure you guys have seen is a car going down the road Dog Legging It as it is called. With the back end two or three inches to the right or left.
SVT if you are reading this read https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/004290.html
------------------
1999 Red SVT Lightning
#3466 of 4000
NLOC #428
99 Grand Prix GTP Red
[This message has been edited by Super Chicken (edited 07-06-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Super Chicken (edited 07-06-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Super Chicken (edited 07-06-2000).]
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 491
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From: Ontario, Canada
Redlite....
Trust me....they read this board! Just ask them how they knew we were calling after I posted the Damaged Intercooler Pics. They were able to quote me word for word. They lurk....
Now if they would just 'fess up to clunk problem, we would be much happier!
Paul G.
Trust me....they read this board! Just ask them how they knew we were calling after I posted the Damaged Intercooler Pics. They were able to quote me word for word. They lurk....
Now if they would just 'fess up to clunk problem, we would be much happier!
Paul G.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 150
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From: Norman, OK. USA
Hey Gang..Albert here!
I agree totaly!
I have been thru this with the dealer.
My truck had everything loose in the front end, the dealer torqued up everything, I welded the washer.
Because of this!!!
My tires are ruined, all 4 are cupped on the inside tread, NOW making noise while driveing!
I have been to the dealer..several times!
Goodyear several more times
Have called customer service!
Have called SVT!
Have been trying to call regional Rep.
Have left several messages and number for him to call, Hell NO, He won't return my calls
Basicly i'm told Tough S***
Ford owes me 4 new tires, they are bad, because of the loose suspension, alignment!
NOT MY FAULT!!!!
Hell yes I'm Pissed about it!
I agree totaly!
I have been thru this with the dealer.
My truck had everything loose in the front end, the dealer torqued up everything, I welded the washer.
Because of this!!!
My tires are ruined, all 4 are cupped on the inside tread, NOW making noise while driveing!
I have been to the dealer..several times!
Goodyear several more times
Have called customer service!
Have called SVT!
Have been trying to call regional Rep.
Have left several messages and number for him to call, Hell NO, He won't return my calls
Basicly i'm told Tough S***
Ford owes me 4 new tires, they are bad, because of the loose suspension, alignment!
NOT MY FAULT!!!!
Hell yes I'm Pissed about it!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 459
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From: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
SilverBullet, thanks for the clarification on wheel alignments. But regardless of the fix done on my truck, it worked! No more clunk noise, no more bang noise, etc, etc.
Regarding the bang noise I got on several occasions, it was loud enough to wake the dead. It sounded like a gun going off under the truck. I find it hard to believe that this is not a potential safety issue. Something must have been binding and letting go real hard.
Now regarding other owners who have only experienced the "clunk" noise, what is your opinion on their problem? Do they have the wrong lower control arms? Or, do they have another problem? They seem to be endlessly looking for a solution and getting no satisfaction. With a few exceptions??
Finally, I have been driving for almost 40 years and this is my first Ford product. I cannot believe what *****-up mess this is for the Lightning owners. Is this the best Ford can do? And on a flagship vehicle? At least I consider it a flagship vehicle. Gets enough press.
Regarding the bang noise I got on several occasions, it was loud enough to wake the dead. It sounded like a gun going off under the truck. I find it hard to believe that this is not a potential safety issue. Something must have been binding and letting go real hard.
Now regarding other owners who have only experienced the "clunk" noise, what is your opinion on their problem? Do they have the wrong lower control arms? Or, do they have another problem? They seem to be endlessly looking for a solution and getting no satisfaction. With a few exceptions??
Finally, I have been driving for almost 40 years and this is my first Ford product. I cannot believe what *****-up mess this is for the Lightning owners. Is this the best Ford can do? And on a flagship vehicle? At least I consider it a flagship vehicle. Gets enough press.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,947
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From: HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA
Redlite
You mentioned that you no longer have "Clunk"
I had the dealership work on my "Clunk" at approx. 500 miles with an impact wrench while the L was up on the lift for another problem and now 3000 miles later "CLUNK"
I hope your fix lasts. Mine did not.
------------------
Jim
jim@jimshaw.cc
Black 00, Swanson Chip, clear corners, super whites
Airaid w/10" Big Mouth filter, chrome wheels,
AIM 2" drop shackles, Mobile1 w/FilterMag, 35% tint
2000 E320, 1993 Cobra R, 1959 Corvette, 1949 Plymouth Coupe
Looking for a better paying job to support my L
You mentioned that you no longer have "Clunk"
I had the dealership work on my "Clunk" at approx. 500 miles with an impact wrench while the L was up on the lift for another problem and now 3000 miles later "CLUNK"
I hope your fix lasts. Mine did not.
------------------
Jim
jim@jimshaw.cc
Black 00, Swanson Chip, clear corners, super whites
Airaid w/10" Big Mouth filter, chrome wheels,
AIM 2" drop shackles, Mobile1 w/FilterMag, 35% tint
2000 E320, 1993 Cobra R, 1959 Corvette, 1949 Plymouth Coupe
Looking for a better paying job to support my L
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Livonia, Mich.
I picked up my Bolt about 30 minutes ago from a local dealer where I had a couple of items looked at. I had noticed a growling sound and a slight vibration that I could feel through the floorboard. They replaced a wheel, rotated tires, and installed star washers. The notorious 'clunk' never returned after beening looked at last fall. Both fronts looked fine when I rotated about 4-5000 miles ago. This time both were extremely cupped on the inside. Hopefully Big Blue is monitoring this board and can come up with a permanent fix. Replacing tires after they've served their purpose is one thing - replacing them because of a known suspension problem is another. JMO
Thanks - Chuck
Thanks - Chuck
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 459
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From: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
FORDSALES, the lower control arms where replaced about mid-January at about 4000 miles. Got about 7400 miles now, and every thing seems to be okay. Tires look okay to me. Just had them rotated today. I will check again.
TOPCAT14, when I was with the Dealer tech rep out on my little test course demonstrating the "clunk", we both noticed that the clunk noise could be felt too. We felt in the floor and not the steering wheel.
My test course apparently produced the right combination of steering and suspension movement, as well as sudden weight transfer, to easily reproduce the clunk over and over.
PBGas, I am sure you are correct in that Ford is monitoring this Board. I am just saying to Nick_D that most likely they would never acknowledge it by responding like responsible business people would. They are most likely sitting in the offices or at home laughing at us.
TOPCAT14, when I was with the Dealer tech rep out on my little test course demonstrating the "clunk", we both noticed that the clunk noise could be felt too. We felt in the floor and not the steering wheel.
My test course apparently produced the right combination of steering and suspension movement, as well as sudden weight transfer, to easily reproduce the clunk over and over.
PBGas, I am sure you are correct in that Ford is monitoring this Board. I am just saying to Nick_D that most likely they would never acknowledge it by responding like responsible business people would. They are most likely sitting in the offices or at home laughing at us.
