Thunderbird Troubles

[Ryno]

I have a 1997 ford thunderbird and when i turn to the left it makes this odd clicking noise and im not sure what it is. almost sounds like the spring binding.

[5.0 Chero]

Well I have only owned 1 MN 12 not 9 like you so I am no expert... but my guess would upper balljoints best thing to do is jack it up and look for something loose......

[azcolin]

have you tried replacing the nut behind the wheel ???? sounds like it might be loose

[ October 18, 2007, 01:22 PM: Message edited by: azcolin ]

[Ryno]

i checked the upper ball joints but they seemed fine i didnt see anything really loose or out of place

[351driver]

Originally posted by azcolin:
have you tried replacing the nut behind the wheel ???? sounds like it might be loose :D :D

[Dan the ranchero man]

When you turn left try tapping on the brakes to see of the noise goes away. If it does your wheel bearings may need to be repacked or you have a loose brake pad.

[UK RANCHERO]

Don't laugh at my ignorance, but is the Tbird of that era front wheel drive?

If so, could be the drive shaft, very common problem on European front wheel drive cars...

[75 Squire]

No all Thunderbirds are rear wheel drive.

[UK RANCHERO]

Thanks.... Wasn't sure, as I know nothing about them....

[BlueOvals]

Yeah, me too, only thing I know is that I love the 55-57's. Believe it or not, when a kid I remember the tv commercials when the 55's were about to be unvailed in 54. A cartoon, might even have been Chip and Dale, but a big wind went down the road, w/o revealing what was making it, Autumn leaves flying, the chipmunk's scattering, and saying "WTF was that", or something like that!! Then the big "voice" said something to the effect: "the Thunderbird is coming to a Ford Dealer near you in the Fall (of 54)!! Geez, that makes me feel so OLD!!

[azcolin]

but you are blanch,
but you are,

:D :D :D :D

[Petey]

Didn't those Birds have the plastic retainers for the rollers in the front bearings ? My 97 Mustang had those and made a clicking noise on turns. I put all metal Timken bearings back in it and the noise was gone.
Hillbilly

[Ryno]

i dont know i will have to check

[BlueOvals]

Any car I've ever had that made the "clicking" noise, in the front, has turned out to be wheel bearings; just my two cents!

[Ryno]

thanks