popping coming from left front

[Drew Lonker]

I have an 01 ST with 81000 on it. When I hit a small bump in the road there is a low pop noise. It doesnt make the noise when going over speed bump or large bumps, its almost inconsistent. There is cupping and alignment wear on the front right tire (opposite the popping). I just replaced the front and rear shocks so that may have been the cause of the wear but the popping is still there. It also shakes a bit going down the highway. My mechanic said everything looks good and he has no idea what it could be...maybe i should look for a new mechanic...



I also had the ST aligned today which helped the shaking a bit but its still noticable. Please Help!

 

[swshawaii]

Sounds like lower ball joint failure. Are they original at 81K?

 

[Drew Lonker]

they are orignial. I thought it could be ball joints but it doesnt pop when i turn necessarily it happens when im just driving down the road

 

[swshawaii]

Very surprised alignment was possible. Find ANOTHER specialist that gives free inspections. GL

 

[Drew Lonker]

why are you suprised its possible? I had someone check it out and everything looked good to them. I am gonna take it somewhere else for a second opinion after I get more ideas of what could be wrong

 

[swshawaii]

There is cupping and alignment wear on the front right tire

Surprised because you said alignment wear. New shocks shouldn't affect alignment.

 

[Dean Couderc 3]

Drew, I have the same issue on my 86k 2003 Trac, except it is my right front. I have no tire wear and all the shocks are brand new. You are right, I can hit a speed hump and no noise, but run over a crack in the road and the right front rattles.

 

[Dean Couderc 3]

Follow-up: My issue turned out to be a loose brake bracket bolt. Once tightened, all my front end noises went away.