89 Grand Marquis possible suspension issue

[monotonorobo]

I have noticed no other issues from this vehicle so far besides the popping noise from the front drivers side. It only occurs when I make a hard left onto a bump like a driveway or something. Steering doesn’t feel off or anything/ no wobbling. If someone could tell me what to check then I will check it. Thank you.

[Arquemann]

I'd say check the sway bar end links and shocks first.
Though your ride so far has seemed like a bit of a dumpster fire (no offense), so a nut & bolt tightness check wouldn't hurt.
I had a bit of a soft clunk on right turns on my MGM, turned out to be a sloppy shock, the upper bushings were toast.

[monotonorobo]

No offense taken, I bought it to learn from anyways. Pretty much everything is alright with it now besides what I mentioned. I’ll Jack up the left side and check it when it stops raining.

[monterey1962]

If you are maxing out the steering and hitting a bump, you are probably hearing the knuckle rubbing the "stopper" on the control arm. You could clean the rust off of those parts and maybe apply a dab of grease. Pic should be a close representation.

[monotonorobo]

If you are maxing out the steering and hitting a bump, you are probably hearing the knuckle rubbing the "stopper" on the control arm. You could clean the rust off of those parts and maybe apply a dab of grease. Pic should be a close representation.

Alright thanks. I am maxing out the steering that’s the only time it occurs.

[gadget73]

good thought on the steering limiter. Often that makes a horrific scraping noise if its dry.

another thing that makes random clunks is the sway bar to frame bushing, but that usually has nothing to do with turn angle. They turn to mush after a while and the bar just bangs around in the bracket.

[monotonorobo]

Back again with my lovely automobile, Seems that now I have some steering wheel play (no wheel shaking or anything, just play). When I get off tomorrow I will Jack the car up and wobble the wheels to check for worn suspension parts. If anyone has anything to add or any advice to give please do so. I will keep what you say in mind as I look for this issue. I’ll also check the steering shaft for play too, and I’ll measure exactly how much play is coming from the steering wheel then I’ll get back to this thread.

[gadget73]

idler arm and pitman arm are common wear items, same with the outer tie rod ends. loose wheel bearings will also make it sloppy. Check the rag joint too, if thats turning to goo the wheel turns and the box does not.

[monotonorobo]

idler arm and pitman arm are common wear items, same with the outer tie rod ends. loose wheel bearings will also make it sloppy. Check the rag joint too, if thats turning to goo the wheel turns and the box does not.

Yeah I was gonna check the rag joint, im going off for reference from f150s and foxbodies of around the same year. I’m guessing they mostly use the same parts and have the same issues. I changed out the bearings too about a year ago but since then I’ve hit a lot of potholes and what horribly built roads.

[gadget73]

F150 yes, Fox not so much. Those are rack and pinion, no center link, idler, or pitman arm. F series has basically the same steering setup though

The bearings being loose usually just means it needs an adjustment. If the wheel is loose up/down tighten it one notch on the castle nut until it stops being floppy. So long as they dont run dry they really don't tend to go bad very often.