[hendrob]

Hello gentlemen, just got my 97 Deville on the road, 81,000 miles.
It passed the safety inspection for the front end, BUT , when going over bumps I hear a clunk in the front end, much like going over train tracks.
Wondering if you guys think this is worn struts ???
Thanks, Bob

 

[Ranger]

Sway bar bushings or end link bushings maybe.

 

[hendrob]

Thanks Ranger, that gives me a great start !! The info is appreciated, thanks again !
Bob

 

[jjm01]

Indeed take Rangers advice... a lot of struts and other suspension components are replaced in many vehicles and the problem is as simple as sway bar bushings and/or end links... and ironically those are typically the easiest and cheapest to replace.

Joe

 

[Ville94]

I have a 94 Deville(Generally the same body), I have replaced all of the chassis parts from the Struts to the ball joints(Includings the Swaybar End links), And I still get the same noise that you describe! I am not sure, Of course your noise my be different than mine, but I just figured I would let ya know. There isn't a bushing or chassis part I haven't replaced on my car! I still get that noise though! It bothers the heck out of me! Anyone have any other suggestions?

 

[hendrob]

Well, I havent got under it yet, but when I do I'll keep you guys posted as to my findings
Bob

 

[smokinbob]

i had the same symptoms on my '97 last summer, found sway bar end links were bad. easy to find, lift front of car turn wheels reach inside behind wheels and give links a good tug, you'll know if they are bad.

 

[smokinbob]

I have a 94 Deville(Generally the same body), I have replaced all of the chassis parts from the Struts to the ball joints(Includings the Swaybar End links), And I still get the same noise that you describe! I am not sure, Of course your noise my be different than mine, but I just figured I would let ya know. There isn't a bushing or chassis part I haven't replaced on my car! I still get that noise though! It bothers the heck out of me! Anyone have any other suggestions?

Just curious, did you replace the bearing plates above the struts? My fathers '99 Deville had a mysterious clunk in the front end, especially when the wheel was turned and that is what we found.

 

[Ville94]

yes sir, That was the first thing I did before changing the other things.

 

[Rapscallion]

I have a clunking sound coming from the front suspension too. The bushings and rubber boots look fine. I have no idea where the noise is coming from.

 

[hendrob]

Ok Gentlemen , finially under the car, just out, 1st thing I have found is play in the left rubber on the sway bar. The 2 large rubbers underneath the car that hold the sway bar on.... dont see it on Rock Auto, anyone know is the rubber the sway bar goes thru, a dealer only item ?? Out to finish looking now

 

[Ranger]

Surprisingly maybe dealer only. Try http://www.gmotors.com

 

[hendrob]

well, finished the inspection, also found play in the front bushing of the lower control arm passengers side , where it bolts to the frame right below the ac compressor..... wonder if I need to replace the entire lower control arm ???

 

[Ville94]

I Replaced the Entire lower control arm as a whole. I got it from my work... Its came with bushings all all... It was also easier than drilling out the Factory ball joints... it came with ones that are bolt on for easy R/R... Anyway, In My opinion... I would. But thats me...

 

[hendrob]

Hey Ville94, what is your work ?? I didnt know if the control arm was a dealer item or not. Can you recall the cost of it ??

 

[Ville94]

I Got mine Through my work(advance auto Parts), We got it from a second source supplier like a dealer... I believe they were like 120 bucks a piece.... with bushings and Ball Joints...

 

[hendrob]

Thanks Ville, I hate to replace the entire thing but still cant seem to find a front bushing for that control arm, gunna keep looking for a bit, thanks for the info !!

 

[Ranger]

http://www.cadillacbushings.com
Also
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...159534-last-shot-auto-parts-rear-knuckle.html
This place may have fronts as well.
Note post #6 "Be Ware Of This" re: poly bushings.

 

[hendrob]

Hi Ranger, thanks but its my front right control arm front bushing thats bad, it bolts in the frame right under the AC compressor

Bob

 

[Ranger]

The first link lists fronts. I suspect if you call the number for the second link they may well have fronts also.