Front end noise

[harleyvette]

I have a 2005 fivehundred SEL fwd with all kinds of front end noise. makes noise when hitting bumps as well as when turning wheel at low speeds. any ideas?

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[Use Common Sense]

If it's a clunking noise, it's probably worn sway-bar end-links. Easy to replace, just two nuts. Do all of them as they're not very costly.

[fsimon]

My driver front has like a rattling noise when I hit bumps. Would that be the sway bar as well. I wondering strut or front end bushings.

[Use Common Sense]

Being an 06, I would still suspect sway bar end links. These can cause CLUNKING over small bumps to a RATTLING noise. Sense the end links are plastic with a metal ball stem in a plastic socket, these wear very easily. You can check them by putting the car up on ramps. This will keep the end links in their normal position. Then get under the vehicle and wiggle/move the end links around to see of any of the ball/sockets are loose. I have the original ones on my Freestar with almost 75,000 miles on them. However, I use a greese needle on my grease gun and fill the boots up with grease every spring and fall. I also do my ball joint boots the same way. Hope this helps.

[fsimon]

Thanks. Out of curiosity, when removing the sway bar, can the car be jacked and sway bar removed while wheel is sagging or does it need hub up in normal position?
Thanks

[Use Common Sense]

Easy as pie to replace. Jack up one side of the vehicle and place a jack stand under it. Remove the tire. The end sway bar end link is right there. Remove the upper and lower nuts (a metric box/socket and open end wrenches needed) and pop the link right out. Install the new link, tire and let it down. Repeat on other side. Don't forget to have a cup of coffee in between. Can't work without a coffee break.