1992 Ford Aerostar Suspension help
#1
09-14-08, 12:00 PM
1992 Ford Aerostar Suspension help
I've been getting this clunking noise from the right wheel when ever I would go over bumps.So I replaced the stabalizer links, they needed to be changed anyway. But that didn't stop that clunking sound. So I examined the area better and found the problem, the bushing is completely off on this bar. It would be greatly appreciated if you could tell me what is the name on this bar? also do I need to buy the entire piece or just the bushings,
Here is a link to a pic I took of it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65938288@N00/2853247727/
Thank you
Here is a link to a pic I took of it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65938288@N00/2853247727/
Thank you
#2
09-14-08, 12:31 PM
it looks like your sway bar and if it is you can get a repair kit for it at your local parts store. You might take to the parts store and they could tell you for sure. Hope this helps you
#4
09-14-08, 01:16 PM
Super Moderator
No, not the sway bar. Crapola, my old cars had something like that, but I can't for the life of me remember what its called.
Ahhhh found a ref pic here.....its just a bushing, if still available looks pretty cheap. Doesn't look like the bar itself has a number assigned.
http://www.teamfordparts.com/partloc...layCatalogid=0
Ahhhh found a ref pic here.....its just a bushing, if still available looks pretty cheap. Doesn't look like the bar itself has a number assigned.
http://www.teamfordparts.com/partloc...layCatalogid=0
#6
09-14-08, 01:28 PM
Super Moderator
#3 is just the shims...the bar isn't numbered. Guess they figured it would never break?
Well, when you go to the dealer, they'll be able to pull up the diagram. Looks like it stayed the same for a long time. Don't think you'll need the bar, just a new bushing. Hopefully you can just jack it up to take the pressure off and loosen the nut, and replace the bushing.
Pretty sure you'll need an alignment afterwards.
Well, when you go to the dealer, they'll be able to pull up the diagram. Looks like it stayed the same for a long time. Don't think you'll need the bar, just a new bushing. Hopefully you can just jack it up to take the pressure off and loosen the nut, and replace the bushing.
Pretty sure you'll need an alignment afterwards.
#7
09-14-08, 01:29 PM
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That my friends is a Control arm......
Just a personal opinion....Have it fixed professionally......
Reason being this.....Those bolts go all the way down thru the subframe. Removing them requires support for the frame, otherwise, the frame drops and the bolts dont go back in...... A lift and a tripod type "SCREW JACK" are sort of a necessary evil for this.
Just a personal opinion....Have it fixed professionally......
Reason being this.....Those bolts go all the way down thru the subframe. Removing them requires support for the frame, otherwise, the frame drops and the bolts dont go back in...... A lift and a tripod type "SCREW JACK" are sort of a necessary evil for this.
#8
09-14-08, 01:47 PM
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UncD
All that, just to replace the bushing, really? Yer kidding?!! I mean, sure I understand if you had to replace the whole arm or mounting plates, or if something was broken.
But can't he just take the nut off the end and replace the bushing? Uh, I mean it is a 16 y/o van (no offense Tman, lol).
btw...I knew it was a part of the upper control arm, but I sure didn't know if that one bar with the threaded ends and holes had its own name. Does it?
All that, just to replace the bushing, really? Yer kidding?!! I mean, sure I understand if you had to replace the whole arm or mounting plates, or if something was broken.
But can't he just take the nut off the end and replace the bushing? Uh, I mean it is a 16 y/o van (no offense Tman, lol).
btw...I knew it was a part of the upper control arm, but I sure didn't know if that one bar with the threaded ends and holes had its own name. Does it?
#9
09-14-08, 02:18 PM
Yeah I thought just removing the bolt on the end and shoving in a bushing would work. I hope it doesn't require all that work, or for me to take it in for repairs. Then it really wouldn't be worth me keeping it. The motor is still good on it and the tranny works good.
#10
09-14-08, 03:35 PM
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Unfortunately, The bushing doesnt get knocked onto the arm, But rather into the "End Cap". Look at the vehicle, and without removing the end caps, The shape of the arm doesnt permit removing the arm without disturbing the caps.....
This is a been there , done that, experience that I dont wish on anyone...Although.....three 2 ton floor jacks and a bunch of patience does sound tempting...
UM....I dunno honestly.... Control SHAFT?????
This is a been there , done that, experience that I dont wish on anyone...Although.....three 2 ton floor jacks and a bunch of patience does sound tempting...
but I sure didn't know if that one bar with the threaded ends and holes had its own name. Does it?
#12
09-14-08, 03:59 PM
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UncD
I get ya a little better now. That rubber doesn't compress very well unless it's in a 10 ton press I bet. Gotta be honest, I'd be damn tempted to use lots of silicone lube and some C clamps to try. Couldn't make it much worse.
Course, I pulled engines with a tree branch and a come-along...so thats just me.
Heck, prob turn out that the bushing isn't even available separately.
I get ya a little better now. That rubber doesn't compress very well unless it's in a 10 ton press I bet. Gotta be honest, I'd be damn tempted to use lots of silicone lube and some C clamps to try. Couldn't make it much worse.
Course, I pulled engines with a tree branch and a come-along...so thats just me.
Heck, prob turn out that the bushing isn't even available separately.
#13
09-14-08, 04:26 PM
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What might happen if I just leave it like that?
#16
09-15-08, 09:46 AM
I've got one more question, I was wondering if it might be a bit easier of a job if I was just to purchase the entire control arm with the bushings already installed in them. I've changer control arms on my car I use to have. Plus if I run into any problems I do have a repair manual for the vehicle.
#17
09-15-08, 02:47 PM
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Yes and no....
You wouldnt have to contend with pressing the bushings, but your still stuck with ..."How to get the bolts out Without dropping the frame to the concrete..."
You wouldnt have to contend with pressing the bushings, but your still stuck with ..."How to get the bolts out Without dropping the frame to the concrete..."
