Chrysler/Dodge Front End Noise

[Welshman]

I have a 2005 Chrysler 300 with a front end "clunk" over small bumps. I didn't think it was a big deal and took it to the shop where I usually go to have it repaired. To make a long story short, they couldn't find the problem. It's getting worse, so after I moved, I called a local repair shop that has been highly recommended, and the owner said that while he would be glad to take a look at it, he has had several 300's, Dodge Magnums and Chargers in with the noise I was describing, and so far has had no luck finding it even after replacing numerous parts (mainly bushings).

My son had a 2007 Magnum with the noise and took it into the dealer, and they "completely overhauled" the front end - to the tune of $1400, which was covered under warranty, and the noise was gone, but they were unable - or unwilling - to be specific.

Yesterday, I searched the web and found that this is apparently a very common noise with these cars, but no clear consensus on the cause. My car is not covered under warranty and I'm trying to avoid a "just replace everything" strategy to fix a very specific "clunk" (mine happens to be on the drivers side).

What I'm specifically looking for here is to find out if there are any TBN'rs who own or or have owned one of these models, and find out their experiences and how they corrected it.
Thanks.

 

[automech]

Look closely at the outer stabilizer links and the inner stabilizer bushings. You can cut the front wheels to one side and reach in and put your hand on the link ends while a helper bounces the front end up and down. If you feel play in the ends replace them

 

[Welshman]

Thanks for the help, Automech. I'll give it a try.

 

[Travelover]

Look closely at the outer stabilizer links and the inner stabilizer bushings. You can cut the front wheels to one side and reach in and put your hand on the link ends while a helper bounces the front end up and down. If you feel play in the ends replace them

+1. I had this exact problem on my Ford Escape - the stabilizer links. I researched it on the Escape forum and this was listed as a common problem. So, I'd suggest posting on a Chrysler forum, or do a search there for "clunk" and see if this is a known weakness. In order to feel the looseness in the links, you need to make sure they are unloaded. So if you jack it up, you may not feel the looseness.

I bought Moog links from Rock Auto that are of higher quality than original - even have grease fittings.

 

[jbarker855]

+2.
I was trying to find the cause of a front end clunk on my corolla for 2 years. Finally figured out it was the front sway bar end links. $40 later, noise gone. I find it very difficult to detect play in sway bar end links.
-Jay

 

[mmurphy]

Do not to forget sound may possibly be not coming from front end suspension. A bad motor mount, or anything that could be by a part of suspension could be coming in contact.

 

[nikdfish]

Welshman, take a look at the site, LXforums.com. It focuses on the LX series (300, Magnum & Charger). I think there were a number of threads that discussed the issue with suggestions for diagnosis & repairs. I think I saw a few postings by a user named "fnkychkn" - he's a tech with lots of experience with the LX lines.

BTW, I've had my 05 Magnum RT AWD since purchased new. While I haven't had that particular issue, the LXFforums site has been very useful for a number of others.

Nick

 

[Welshman]

BTW, I've had my 05 Magnum RT AWD since purchased new. While I haven't had that particular issue, the LXFforums site has been very useful for a number of others.

Nick

Thanks, Nick - I'll check that out, right now. How many miles on your Magnum?

 

[roygage]

+1. I had this exact problem on my Ford Escape - the stabilizer links. I researched it on the Escape forum and this was listed as a common problem. So, I'd suggest posting on a Chrysler forum, or do a search there for "clunk" and see if this is a known weakness. In order to feel the looseness in the links, you need to make sure they are unloaded. So if you jack it up, you may not feel the looseness.

I bought Moog links from Rock Auto that are of higher quality than original - even have grease fittings.

I am with auto mech. on this one likely the stabilizer bar links and or the stab bar bushings. See it very often on the Caravans. Bushings are easy to overlook.

As for your Escape, one big tip, check your brake hoses, frt. and rear, frts. in particular, they crack badly on the upper loop, seen them bad at 60 K, junk at 100 K, very easy to overlook, get a good light, go over them closely.

 

[Travelover]

......................As for your Escape, one big tip, check your brake hoses, frt. and rear, frts. in particular, they crack badly on the upper loop, seen them bad at 60 K, junk at 100 K, very easy to overlook, get a good light, go over them closely.

Thanks, good tip.

 

[deepNdirt]

Do not to forget sound may possibly be not coming from front end suspension. A bad motor mount, or anything that could be by a part of suspension could be coming in contact.

yes very correct my wife explorer had acquired a thump/bump sound when going over things like speed bumps or even slight dips in the roadway, I look over the entire front end components and couldn't find a thing wrong or worn,
so we just lived with it for about 2 years, about 3 months ago while doing an oil change and being under and closer to the middle of the SUV I decided to have a look around that area, checking the U-joints etc,etc, ..... when I picked up on the drive shaft I was able to slightly pick up the rear of the transmission as well, This is when I notice the 2 bolts holding the tail of the trans to the support was loose, (((( BINGO)))) a couple a quick turns of a wrench and a 2 year old problem was solved,
Not to say this would be the problem th OP is having put yes the sound could be from something other than the front end

 

[nikdfish]

Thanks, Nick - I'll check that out, right now. How many miles on your Magnum?

Currently coming up on 139,000 miles...

Nick

 

[Welshman]

Look closely at the outer stabilizer links and the inner stabilizer bushings. You can cut the front wheels to one side and reach in and put your hand on the link ends while a helper bounces the front end up and down. If you feel play in the ends replace them

Just an update. Automech, I did as you suggested, and was unable to detect any play, however my "helper" is a lightweight, and we may not have gotten enough bounce. I'm going to try it again the next time my son is here. While I was checking it though, I noticed that the driver's (left) outer tie-rod end was sloppy. Since my noise pre-dated the tie-rod end (I had checked it a few months ago), I didn't think that was the source, but I took the car in to have it replaced and the front end aligned. While there, we bounced, twisted, and inspected and couldn't find anything else wrong, but this was all done on a frame lift. When they moved it over to a drive-on, to do the alignment, they were to check again, but at that point, I wasn't in attendance. The noise is still there. As I said, I'll check those links and bushings again as soon as I get some more "beef".

 

[Welshman]

Just an update: I took the car to a Chrysler dealer Monday. They replaced the tension struts. Noise gone!