I am having some little thumping noise from my front end of my 2001 T&C whenever I go over bumps. Can be at 70mph or at 10mph. I took it to a local shop today to have the frontend looked over. They said that my Lt Outer tie rod has a little movement. Also say that my sway bar links need replaced. They could not move them with a pry bar so I was confused on how they knew they needed replaced. With this in question I asked them to show me the tie rod that was an issue. They tugged pretty hard and it moved barely so there is beginning to be some play. So I asked them if this would fix my noise issue. They could not. So they checked over again then told me that the Lt inner tie rod was going bad. Now I am really skeptical. My question would be.......would the sway bar link kit make these noises over the bumps? My struts seem okay....no excessive bounce over bumps and do not see any leakage. Does not lean when cornering. Is it hard to change the sway bar links on my own or is it best to pay for it to be done?

Also....any suggestions on replacement parts as far as brands go. Best to stick with OEM or is MOOG a good brand? Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
JDMAN1

 

Does it sound like the whole front end is falling out of the car everytime you go over a bump? If so, then it's probably the sway bar bushings (aka. cushions). Should be 2 $10 bushings and about an hour labor to replace. Not nearly as serious as you think. This is a very very very common problem.

 

I have a 2001 that I just purchased from my parents. I have the same thing on the passenger side when I go over a bump, feels like something is banging up into the bottom of the car. My Dad said to replace both front struts and bushings, springs, etc. At a quote of $800 to do all that, I think for $10 I'll try replacing the way bar bushings myself.