Edmunds Answers questions

1998 NAVIGATOR has clunking noise in rear end area under 35 mph. Any ideas about what is causing it.

bigredsoftball — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:46:14 GMT

Car has 80,000 mis. U-joint are okay and no clunking while shifting gears. pushing the tires while elevated makes smilar noise, but much louder than whne wheels turning.

Car is going over bumps hard, even small bumps.

golfappeal — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:32:01 GMT

it feels like the car is hitting bumps really hard even small bumps in the road

How do I air up the rear air springs after installing new air springs and compressor?

mep4160 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:00:48 GMT

can't get the new air springs to inflate

When I drive my car and hit potholes, I hear a knocking noise on my driver's side. What could be the problem?

tamondop — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:48:02 GMT

I replaced my struts and thought that the knocking noise would stop but it continued every time I hit a pothole and whenever I took my wheel off the whole wheel hub wiggled after I put the tire back on it still wiggled what could be the problem

Can I flip the suspension upside-down (building a Caterham)??

knightofnight — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:25:22 GMT

here is a pic of the suspension :

http://up1.m5zn.com/photo/2009/2/11/01/2...

so i want to install it while its upside-down on a caterham that i'm building from scratch ,, but i'm not sure if that would be OK ??

also i have another question : there is a 14 cm difference in the width between th front wheels and the width between the rear wheels in the caterham im building ( the front wheels are wider by 14 cm ) is that also OK ?

thanks :)

Knocking noise in trunk.

alcohall — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:19:29 GMT

Sometimes when I'm stopped there is a knocking noise coming from trunk area (I tease the kids telling them daddy wants out (LOL)). Does anyone know what might be the cause of the noise? Could it be the back springs? I notice that when going over speed bumps or up in driveways the back bounces a lot and makes a squeaking noise.

Hanger bearing '03 Saturn Vue.

erodz280 — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:04:50 GMT

need one for my 03 Vue searched everywhere please can anyone help me out

i have a 2004 mountaineer and hear noise from front end when going over bumps.looked for lube point none.

vabeachin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:16:40 GMT

whenever i go over bumps at slow speed.i hear like a rubbing noise from the front end.this only happens at low speeds over bumps not when turning.i looked for lube point thinking it use needs to be lube.i can not find any.i can't figure it out maybe someone else has had this problem and help me out.thank you for any infromation on this matter.

Just bought an 01 Ford Ranger 2WD. Periodically makes sound and vibe like warning strips on edge of some Interstate highways. Help.

flipbish — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:15:11 GMT

Brief sound and vibe like running over rough spot in pavement. Lasts only 1-2sec and occurs maybe every 10 miles. Truck is 01 Ranger xlt 2wd with 97k miles. Just purchased. Has Goodrich tires with plenty of tread left. Unknown if any suspension work has been done. Seller provided maintenance records, no suspension work noted.

What is torque steer?

deelite — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:22:10 GMT

What is torque steer and is there any way to eliminate it? My Grand Prix pulls to the right when I accelerate. My friend tells me this is something called torque steer.

What's the front end clunk in my 2007 Ford Edge?

tourist2 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:15:25 GMT

My '07 Edge (~4500 miles) makes a loud clunk in the front end going over speed bumps and dips. The dealer says all the Edges on the lot do this (they claim they test drove them, but I wasn't there to hear if the others clunked). I've been driving a lot of years and never heard any clunking like this.

the last time my awd light came on it was a wheel bearing bad how do i tell what wheelbearing it is

rb757rb — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:23:59 GMT

2004 buick rendezvous

1997 Chryselr Concorde. Bad bushings on right front. Could they flatten tires? Have had two within 2 weeks.

dudley4 — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:46:27 GMT

Car in pristeen condition, only 87K mi. Good tires. Purchsed 6 mo ago and have always heard a mild to medium "clunking" sound in right wheel well upon a right turn and sometimes at exceleration from a stand still. A slight shimmy in steering wheel about 3 weeks ago. Found first flat overnight. Was told a 'gash' on side wall. Was told need bushings but it wasn't related to the flat or a safety issue. Replaced tire and used car three days while parts ordered. Another flat found this morning, same wheel. Have heard of similar "clunkings" on 2004 chryslers.

1996 dodge stealth after accident

96stealthrt — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:46:55 GMT

I got hit on the right side of my car and i bought the parts to fix it but my wheel wont go on straight now im guessing the frame is bent and i can take it off but were can i find a new or used frame to tell you the truth i dont think its even the frame but i do have pics on my profile of were i got hit and what is bent any help is great it for my 1996 dodge stealth R/T please help

i own a 2005 honda element and the back tires are leaning in do you know anything about this

wandahonda — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:12:07 GMT

both rear tires are leaning inwards like this / \

Hi, my name is Anthony and I need help in finding rear and front subframe bushings. for a 1995 Infiniti Q45.

bakedbike — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:04:43 GMT

I was told that I need subframe bushing to correct the problem of sqeeking and rambling noises in the rear of my car. I've been searching for subframe bushings (cross member bushings)for the past two weeks. Infiniti Dealers will not sell the bushings without the subframe. There is nothing wrong with my sukbframe. Please help, the noise is drriving me batty. Thanks, I appeciate any and all assistance with tis problem.

I have a 96 nissan maxima GXE and having some noise in front suspension.how much does it cost to fix this?

egaanand — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:09:23 GMT

I have a 96 maxima,running smooth and fine.but am getting some noise while running over potholes.i think there's some problem with strut boots and bearings. how much does it cost to get it fixed?

Subaru 97 Legacy wagon L - issue - thumping noise from rear right wheel. Noise starts upon driving. Suggestions?

fergus1 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:35:41 GMT

Noise starts upon driving and does increase in thumping with speed. Does not come from under the car - but from the rear right wheel well. Wheel did not seem "hot" upon touching it after a short drive.

This car has 99K miles on it and was sitting unused for 2 months (Dec-Jan).

my ford expedition with air leveling is leaning to the right in the front, any suggestions as what it might be. an

lea314 — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:19:56 GMT

right front leaning has air leveling also causes tire to go low

my 2003 mitsubishi is having a problem with the front suspension at the driver side, where can i take the car?

emt8225 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:04 GMT

i need to repair the front suspension at the driver side of my 2003 mitsubishi galant,how do i go about that,and where can i go i live in the bronx.

how install struts

khillman — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:17:08 GMT

i have a 2000 chrylser concorde and i want to replace the front struts and coils on both the driver and pass side the struts i brought already come wit hthe springs attached, so how do i install the new one and take off the old ones and do i need a aligment done after i install them please help

Taurus 1999 makes noise in driver side when turning. Appears to be ball joint. How do I change ball joint?

prittersba — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:57:44 GMT

Dealer said tie rod ends and ball joint needs to be replaced. I want do do it myself. Need to know procedure.

after snow and below zero weather the front end of my 1999 explorer squeaks, what can be the cause

greenmean — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:29:59 GMT

When I ride over bumps it squeaks and when I right turn it makes an unusual sound, and before the snow and cold weather I heard neither.

2003 tahoe with autoride. I need to replace rear shocks, is there anything special to replacing them?

bob1364 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:47:34 GMT

The vehicle is a 2003 Tahoe LE with autoride, one rear shock is blown and the other is leaking/won't pass inspection. I have already purchased the shocks. I got them for $199 a piece, which is $300 cheaper then any of the dealers/repair places around. My problem is that no one will install them for me. If they were regular shocks it would be no problem, but I was told that it is very easy to ruin the new shocks if you don't disconnect the sensors and compressor connections correctly. Is this true? Does anyone know where I could find the procedure for replaing them? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

i have a 1995 lincoln continental the shocks or air bags need to be fixed where should i take it

cathy12 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:13:41 GMT

when you are going down the rode the car bounces my sons say that the air bag lines need to be fixed and i am not sure where to take it

Does the 'hub' have to be removed to change ball joints on a '99 Ford Taurus?

alexarae — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:21:08 GMT

99' Ford Taurus needs new ball joints...

How much to replace struts on 2001 Nissan Altima?

cmacom — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:56:01 GMT

My mechanic is telling me that I need to replace the struts on my 2001 Nissan Altima. How do I know if it's really needed and how much should it cost? I live in the bay area, CA.

2002 acura 3.2 TLcv joint repair is this a common problem?

thayer — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:03:42 GMT

The Acura had a front end collision and the left suspension bar? was replaced and the transmission rebuilt. There is a groaning and rubbing sound from the left front wheel area when making a left turn. It often does not does this in the very first few blocks but does it after that and continues. I have had it looked at, the rack and pinion steering bushings replaced. Still have the noise. It was suggested it might be struts. I wonder if it could be CV joints? Any ideas?

how much is front end work for 99' Ford f-150

woffa — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 06:53:55 GMT

looking to have complete idle bar and u/v joits and whatever else needs to be done to stop front end from banging? any Idea of cost for this type of work.. thanks

Does replacing cradle bushings include low control arms and strut rods in the labor charge on 96 Intrepid?

wintop — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:44:53 GMT

I'm told by the mechanic that he just lift the engine and replace the cradle bushings. I need to replace the control arm assembly also and dont want to pay the labor twice over.

I'm told I need 2 new rear control arms on a Acura MDX. Is $621 a reasonable repair cost?

jp28069 — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:22:46 GMT

2002 Acura MDX. Car exhibits alot of shake in control of vehicle. Thought it was an alignment issue, come to fine out I need to replace the 2 rear control arms. Is this the real reason? And, is $621 a reasonable repair cost?

how to remove and replace 96 Jeep Cherokee leaf springs

bmclaughlin — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:41:41 GMT

Need some Tips on how to remove and replace 96 Jeep cherokee leaf springs
I have the wheels off and lubed all the bolts !

My 2007 Toyota Avalon has a soft "thump" noise from somewhere in the rear when accelerating from a stop.

jjwillia3 — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:18:57 GMT

The noise sounds like a bowling ball rolling back there. It's not loud, and is only heard when accelerating from a stop. Just one thump. The dealer replaced the rr shock-no impact on the noise. The svc mgr came for a ride, and wants me to leave it with him for 2 days or so. The car now has 7500 miles, and the noise has been there since it was new. Otherwise, the car is fine. My concern: is this unique to my car? will it lead to future problems? Anyone have the same problem?

2000 Infiniti I30,160,000 miles, knocking at passenger side suspension on bumpy road, changed strut and mount still knocking,

abrahamian — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:54:56 GMT

knocking sound at passenger side,infinity 2000, I 30.
changed the strut and didn't solve the proble , change the strut mount still the same. check the ball joint and the lower arm for loose joint everything is ok, we don't what else to change to solve the problem.
Thanks.
Abe.

What is constant knock from rear of Pontiac Sunfire? I've had a '96, '97, '01 Sunfire, it's been the same for each. Seat, shock?

mikc — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:37:59 GMT

Constant rear knock, doesn't matter if I run over an ant or pothole. Can't tell if it's the seat, shock assembly, tank, or where... I've had the same knock in 96, 97, 01 pontiac sunfire.

Front Shocks 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD V-6

bandit10 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:27:12 GMT

I currently have KYB Gas A Just shocks in the rear. My front shocks need replacement. {61,000 miles} Considering the fronts are located inside the coil spring, will I have a difficult time replaceing them myself. I don't have a lift. If it's doable what shock brand would reccomend. Will I have to have the alignment adjusted once the shocks are R&R? Is this something a professional should undertake? Thanks.

1996 Ford Explorer Ball Joints?

jdelbridge — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:22:25 GMT

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L 6Cycl. 4WD VIN"X". I was told when getting my driver side exhaust manifold gasket replaced that I need lower ball joints. I have no clue on how to take this project as my Hanes manual sucks and tells me that on 1995 and newer that you cannot just replace the ball joints you have to replace the control arm, but that is all it says. Is there any truth to this? Any website with a walkthrough and maybe some pictures would really help? Would it just be easier to replace both the upper and lower ball joints at the same time while I am in there, because I will be doing my brakes, rotors, and tires at the same time???

2005 Nissan Pathfinder vibration between 60 to 85 km

rholmberg — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:13:40 GMT

I purchased new tires /alighment/and everything I could think of...I still have warranty..the vehicle has 840000 km....I have been in and out of 4 high all winter but just started ..is this vibrathion a drive train problem when under excellaration.does not happen when coasting....

2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0s rattling noise

toronto1 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:27:17 GMT

We bought a 2008 nissan sentra 2.0s CVT a couple of months ago. We seem to get a rattling noise on the passenger side towards the back. Took it to the dealership and they said they tighten the spare tire. I still can hear the noise on the way home. Anyone else with this problem???

I've replaced the rear struts in my 97 Plymouth Neon. Still rides like a tank. Any suggestions? The car seems to be bottoming out.

jysn — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:00:06 GMT

97 Plymouth Neon. When drive if i hit a bump it feels like im bottoming out. I mean the rear end seams to slam down. I've replaced the struts about 11,000 miles ago. There was no change. I replaced with Gadriel ultra. The whole car just seems to rattle. The car just seems like ply forgot to put in a suspension.Any idea on getting a softer ride

What is the payload capacity (weight that can be placed in the bed) for a 2002 Dodge Dakota Sport?

cfont — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:00:39 GMT

I can't seem to get a concrete answer. I dont want gvwr or gawr. I want the actual weight that can be placed in the back of my pickup. Its a 2002 Dodge Dakota Sport Club Cab with a 4.7 liter engine and a 3.55 rear axle

02 Honda Civic Si leans about 1/2 inch to the passenger side. How do I fix it?

02civicsi1 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:53:09 GMT

02 civic si bought with after market rims, lowered about 2 in, stock shock and struts, cold air intake. i did some research after noticing the car leans and after about 6 different mechanics told me the springs were shot i found out you can't lower the car more than 1.2 inches. so i have eibach pro-kit springs on it 1.1 in drop. still was leaning. now i have koni yellowsport shocks and struts on it being told this would fix it. still leans. frame is not bent. it is a unibody, new shocks and struts, new springs, no bent frame, no idea what i can do to fix it.

My 06 Dodge Caravan makes a humming noise during a left turn at low speed. Has anybody else had this problem?

thorner1 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:31:42 GMT

the noise doesn't seem to be "metallic", it sounds more like a vibration & happens intermittenly. It also sounds like it is from the rear of the car.

What does a sport-tuned suspension do anway?

voidvoice — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:58:47 GMT

I'm complete newbie in cars, what does sport tuned suspension means? Does it make the car feel less bumpy?

I have a mouse in my wheel! Please assist. 2002 Ford Focus with a squeaking rear shock/strut thingy.

ifontaine — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:56:14 GMT

I have a 2002 Ford Focus ZTW Wagon with almost 93,000 miles on it. I've never driven a car this long before so I'm in virgin territory.

I've recently notice that a "squeak" has developed and is coming from my driver's rear wheel well area. I am operating on the assumption that it is suspension.

However, today, I noticed that my rear wheels seem to be "off camber" slightly. The top of the wheels are more toward the center of the car, than the bottom of the wheels.

Can these two things be related? And, ballpark, what kind of change am I looking at to fix?

Thank you all very much for any advice you can give.

I want to change my front shocks on a 1998 Toyota 4Runner.

bandit10 — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:35:47 GMT

Front Shocks R&R. K&N Air Filter 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 61,000 miles.

I want to change my front shocks to KYB Gas A Just like I have in the rear. The shock is housed inside the coil spring. Is it best to unbolt the top of the shock first? I'll be using WD-40 first and let soak. And then unbolt the bottom of the shock.. Will I have problems because of the coil spring while doing the R&R? Will the shock just drop down?
I've been using a K&N Air Filter the past several years. It came in 2 sections or pieces. They have the same outside measurement. It's one is thiner than the other. The paper ones are one piece. Can you tell me why K&N are a 2 piece set? Thanks, Ben.

My 1996 Nissan Pathfinder makes strange movements sideways on the highway above 40 MPH. What can cause this ?

curacaodiveboy — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:09:59 GMT

Just bought this Nissan 96 SE V6 Pathfinder. only 60000 Miles. Car starts making stranges movements/ sudden shakes to left or right above 40 MPh.
Especially on highway used by heavy traffic. Is sometimes frightning.
Bought new shocks for front, but this does not solve the problem. Suspect suspension problem . Worn bushings ? Broken Stabilizer rods ? Please tell me how to tackle this strange problem.

Leaning Honda Civic Si

02civicsi1 — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 14:02:55 GMT

I have called a frame shop and the guy i spoke to said that he used to have the same problem with a hatch he used to have. he said he took a flat strut bar and put it on and it leveled it back out. that doesnt sound right though but he works at the frame shop, so i dont know what to do and i'm tired of spending all of this money to fix it and people are yanking my chain.

Thanks for your in depth response. 98 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD KYB shock installation.

bandit10 — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:49:08 GMT

Wow what a great detailed eplanation of the R&R of the KYB's up front. You mentioned a wall mount compressor. I don't know what that is. Is that something I saw years ago when a person was compressing front springs on a car or truck. By description without this tool would I be in danger of the spring flying at me or not being able to compress the spring for the install of the new shocks. What would the labor cost be for a professional installion? Just a guess or ball park number. Again thank you for your time and knowledge. Ben.

I want an air leveling suspension kit installed on my 2006 Expedition(Eddie Bauer). Any websites or suggestions?

bigexpo_driver — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:33:43 GMT

I bought a 2006 Ford Expedition back in 07'. I want air ride suspension. Not trying to make it too fancy or trickish, I just want a more luxurious ride. My neighbors Expedition has air ride(which came with it), and his Expedition's ride performance is a hell of allot smoother than mine. I'm in the Baltimore Maryland area and if anyone can refer me to a performance shop who can make this dream a reality, I'd appreciate it. Or a website where I can order the entire kit. I've visited several websites that sell air ride kits, but it's hard to find one specific to my year vehicle.