I'll be taking the '04 SVT back to the dudes that replaced the clutch and timing belt and have them inspect why (especially) a *sharp* bump to the right front causes such a loud, metallic bang.

What specifically should we look at?
1] End links: pics or tips of how to identify a not-good-one
2] Front sway bar alignment/subframe and/or bushings - where would that be causing the problem?
3] Top strut mount?

I'd like to have this solved, any input would be appreciated - either way ('adjustment' or replacement/upgrades) needs to be done, that just don't sound healthy, Clem...

Thanks~

TommyTooHi

I'll be taking the '04 SVT back to the dudes that replaced the clutch and timing belt and have them inspect why (especially) a *sharp* bump to the right front causes such a loud, metallic bang.

What specifically should we look at?
1] End links: pics or tips of how to identify a not-good-one
2] Front sway bar alignment/subframe and/or bushings - where would that be causing the problem?

I'd like to have this solved, any input would be appreciated - either way ('adjustment' or replacement/upgrades) needs to be done, that just don't sound healthy, Clem...

Thanks~

TommyTooHi
TommyTooHi: I have FRRP lowering kit and dampers and have the same issue! Rh only and our techs say everything looks good but say spring is probably snapping back, no solution though. Swapping out back to SVT orig. with M3000zx3 kit soon. Let ya know if that helps. Putting on Conti DWS tires as I type, pulling off junk Federals!

TommyTooHi: I have FRRP lowering kit and dampers and have the same issue! Rh only and our techs say everything looks good but say spring is probably snapping back, no solution though. Swapping out back to SVT orig. with M3000zx3 kit soon. Let ya know if that helps. Putting on Conti DWS tires as I type, pulling off junk Federals!

"DWS" = Dry, Wet, Snow. GREAT idea...

I had to go look at what came on this thing when I got it:

"The Direzza DZ101 is Dunlop's Ultra High Performance Summer tire for the drivers of sport compact cars. The Direzza DZ101 shares the Direzza name with Dunlop racing tires used in the Japanese SUPER GT Championship and was developed to provide crisp and responsive handling. The Direzza DZ101 is not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Dang... Seattle is very likely gonna get dumped on this winter.

Poop.

-T_TooHi

"DWS" = Dry, Wet, Snow. GREAT idea...

I had to go look at what came on this thing when I got it:

"The Direzza DZ101 is Dunlop's Ultra High Performance Summer tire for the drivers of sport compact cars. The Direzza DZ101 shares the Direzza name with Dunlop racing tires used in the Japanese SUPER GT Championship and was developed to provide crisp and responsive handling. The Direzza DZ101 is not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

Dang... Seattle is very likely gonna get dumped on this winter.

Poop.

-T_TooHi
Love the Conti DWS tires! What a difference these make with noise, road feel and less directional pull on different road surfaces! I highly recommend them if they are right for your driving style!

Check your lower control arm bolts. Mine were tight but not tight enough. I tightened the crap out of them and my clunk hasn't come back since last year.

Check your lower control arm bolts. Mine were tight but not tight enough. I tightened the crap out of them and my clunk hasn't come back since last year.

Thanks
I got it up on the rack yesterday afternoon at the shop that did the heavy work...

Sway bar links, LCA, end links all appeared OK.
Unless there's something that we couldn't see (either based on experience with this specific car, which neither of us have - yet) I might have to guess strut top??
Diag is not complete....

-ToooooHi

TommyTooHi: I have FRRP lowering kit and dampers and have the same issue! Swapping out back to SVT orig. with M3000zx3 kit soon. Let ya know if that helps.

M-18000-ZX3
COOL!

The http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=8491 "M-18000-ZX3" kit doesn't have the springs or rear sway bar and has the addition of upper strut mounts and misc nuts, new bellows, AND is cheaper than the 3000 kit!

Amazingly cheap, actually- struts/shocks and all that other stuff for a *retail* price of less than $200?!
Hmmmmmmmmm... I think my spring compressor is in the storage unit...

Their R+R PDF:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-3000-ZX3.pdf

-TooHi

-Go Packers!!!!

M-18000-ZX3
COOL!

The http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=8491 "M-18000-ZX3" kit doesn't have the springs or rear sway bar and has the addition of upper strut mounts and misc nuts, new bellows, AND is cheaper than the 3000 kit!

Amazingly cheap, actually- struts/shocks and all that other stuff for a *retail* price of less than $200?!
Hmmmmmmmmm... I think my spring compressor is in the storage unit...

Their R+R PDF:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/instructionsheets/FordInstShtM-3000-ZX3.pdf

-TooHi

-Go Packers!!!!
Love the FRRP stock m3000zx3 SVT kit just installed yesterday! Removed the lowering kit and dampers and replaced mounts and spring rubbers while in there. The sway bar only needed end links so it stayed. This and the Continental Contact Extreme DWS tires are a perfect match! Love my 143,000 mi.NEW driving Focus SVT EAP!

still searching..

What specifically is the most likely cause for the clunk, and how to isolate and verify???

1] End links: pics or tips of how to identify a not-good-one
2] Front sway bar alignment/subframe and/or bushings - where would that be causing the problem?
3] Top strut mount?

-TooHi

289 is a lot of views
no tips or input. starting to worry about this place...