Clunking from front end

jpal2626

I know this was a discussion already but i couldnt really get a solid answer. I have an 02 lse and everytime i hit even the smallest bump or pot whole it sounds like somebody is banging on the front end. Any suggestions on what it is would be great.....

badkw

I've had sounds like the associated with inner and outer tie rods, and most commonly with upper ball joint (control arm). All are rather simple to diagnose.

cdnpinhead

the most common cause for front-end clunking of 2004 and earlier LSs is sway bar bushing wear. A long time ago the bushings could be replaced, but now it's necessary to replace the whole bar, which now has molded-on bushings. It's a much bigger job, but is supposed to be a lasting fix.

Other suspension parts are possible, but not so likely.

larryk0202

I've had that before, my problem was the "sway" bar. Pretty inexpensive, or could be the tie rods.

sailorlen10

Does any one know what size sway bar bushings this car takes? Front and rear the same size? Thanks!!

sailorlen10

Does any one know what size sway bar bushings my car takes?? Thanks!!

karg

The sway bar bushings - I don't believe are available by themselves for the 2004 or earlier - according to the other previous posts.

I replaced my entire sway bar and it was indeed a job to do - fishing that darn thing through the front end and past all of the parts. I ended up have to unbolt the suspension from one side to get it to pass semi-easily.

Anyway- I know that the "Sport model" had a different sway bar for the 2000 model - not sure of 2004. My guess is that you'd have to know that, as well.

Bottom line - I don't believe they sell just the bushings.

toomanyfumes

Yeah I've heard you have to replace the whole sway bar. I don't think the sway bar is much of an issue on the 2nd gen (2003-up) LS's, I'd make sure that was the problem before replacing it.