Thumping in left front

[Chris Taylor]

I'm developing a thumping in the left front of the ST. It seems to increase with speed. I don't think it's brake related, as it still occurs under braking. It's there on both rough and smooth roads, so I'm thinking it's not shock related either. I thought of all the steering and suspension parts, but I have not usually related those to a thump(although I'm not sure about this)...



However, I do have 90000 miles on a set of Michelan LTX M/S tires. I know that's a lot of miles, but there is actually a lot of tread left. I checked the wheel weights, and there does not seem to be any missing. I'm thinking I have a belt starting to let go on the tire. I'm going to rotate the tires this weekend and see if there is a difference.



So my question.... What else, other that tires, would cause this type of thumping?

 

[Todd Z]

Sounds like you ruled everything out...



Now it is time to start checking every part you listed..



Could be any suspension part or a bad tire....



Todd Z

 

[George T]

I would think it would be the tire (maybe something stuck in it screw, nail, whatever or just the tire is damaged)

 

[Johnny O]

My guess would be either ball joints or a CV joint. The hubs do not unlock and the front driveline spins all the time.

 

[Chris Taylor]

Finally found it... An unbalanced tire... Checked everything mechanical and then rotated the tires. Problem went with the tire, so I had it balanced, and the problem is gone. It didn't throw a weight, so I didn't suspect that at 1st, but that's apperently what is was. Strange one... I'll be keeping an ear out to make sure the problem doesn't reappear.



While I was under the front, I pulled the front sway bar bushings and greased them too, as they were sqeaking a bit. Now all is quiet at/in the front!