Clunking noise when making a U-Turn (98 Crown Vic)

[Jim Reynolds]

My 1998 Crown Victoria is about due for it's first inspection, but not
before a (hopefully) slight problem has crept up.

Every time I make a complete turn, like a U-Turn, I hear a loud "clunking"
noise coming from around the front wheels. It doesn't matter which side
I'm turning to. Normal turning is fine-- it's only when I turn to the
extreme of the steering wheel do I get the noise.

I did a quick visual inspection of the underneath to see if it's hitting
anything but everything appeared to be in place.

The car has 26,000 miles on it and has had all recommended service.

Has anyone else experienced such a problem? Or might have an idea what it
is? I just hope the dealer doesn't try and tell me it's normal.

Thanks in advance.

Jim.

[BobsGL1500]

>Every time I make a complete turn, like a U-Turn, I hear a loud "clunking"
>noise coming from around the front wheels

Make sure the lug nuts are tight.

[RacerDave6]

This is pretty common with Crown Vic's. When it goes to full lock the steering
stops hit. Usually just putting some grease on the stop will quiet it down. Not
a major problem and not something that will cause a breakdown.

Dave

>My 1998 Crown Victoria is about due for it's first inspection, but not
>before a (hopefully) slight problem has crept up.
>

>Every time I make a complete turn, like a U-Turn, I hear a loud "clunking"

[Tom Wood]

Jim Reynolds <reyn...@vu-vlsi.ee.vill.edu> wrote:

> My 1998 Crown Victoria is about due for it's first inspection, but not
> before a (hopefully) slight problem has crept up.

> Every time I make a complete turn, like a U-Turn, I hear a loud "clunking"
> noise coming from around the front wheels. It doesn't matter which side
> I'm turning to. Normal turning is fine-- it's only when I turn to the
> extreme of the steering wheel do I get the noise.

Hi, Jim,

you may want to check the motor mounts.

good luck,

Tom

[Joe Netter]

That sound might be normal because you are holding the wheels against their
stops. You may especially notice this when you are turning in reverse. See
your dealer or competent mechanic to be sure.

>

[Bill Miller]

My '92 did the same thing. I've had it looked at before and a loose upper A
arm was found. It cleared the problem up, but now (about 2 yrs later) I get
a harse metal scraping sound when doing a tight turn over uneven terrain.
Guess she's gettin' old.

Good luck
Bill
Jim Reynolds wrote in message <7b9en3$5...@vu-vlsi.ee.vill.edu>...

>
>My 1998 Crown Victoria is about due for it's first inspection, but not
>before a (hopefully) slight problem has crept up.
>
>Every time I make a complete turn, like a U-Turn, I hear a loud "clunking"
>noise coming from around the front wheels. It doesn't matter which side
>I'm turning to. Normal turning is fine-- it's only when I turn to the
>extreme of the steering wheel do I get the noise.
>

[gee...@inreach.com]

Jim Reynolds wrote:
>
> My 1998 Crown Victoria is about due for it's first inspection, but not
> before a (hopefully) slight problem has crept up.
>
> Every time I make a complete turn, like a U-Turn, I hear a loud "clunking"
> noise coming from around the front wheels. It doesn't matter which side
> I'm turning to. Normal turning is fine-- it's only when I turn to the
> extreme of the steering wheel do I get the noise.
>
> I did a quick visual inspection of the underneath to see if it's hitting
> anything but everything appeared to be in place.
>
> The car has 26,000 miles on it and has had all recommended service.
>
> Has anyone else experienced such a problem? Or might have an idea what it
> is? I just hope the dealer doesn't try and tell me it's normal.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Jim.

Could be suspension as others have mentioned. But one thing nobody else
thought of was hubcaps. If it has hubcaps of any kind, take them off
and try your u-turn. Sometimes hubcaps can get loose, or even make
noise during turns, because the wheels flex.

You also might check to see if it has a limited slip rearend. That
could make noise too.

Gerard
--
BOB Oil Recovery System: http://www.bob2000.com
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[Bill Perry]

Well my 1996 Grand Marquis does a groaning squeak when I make a slow u turn. I
can tell that it is coming from the front suspension. Mostly if I am turning and
driving over a speed bump at the same time.

Bill

[drmc...@ameritech.net]

Try greasing the steering stops on both sides. Could be!

[BowlHead19]

>
>Try greasing the steering stops on both sides. Could be!
>

It is, i see grand marquis, with this problem all the time. just lube the
steering stop on the lower control arm, and put some grease on the other part
of the stop on the knuckle