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.