Chrysler Repair: Clunk from front end, strut bearings, lebaron convertible

Question
Hi Roland,

My 90 Lebaron Convertible makes a loud "clunk" actually sound somewhat like a popping noise when I cross things like speed bumps, and highly irregular road surfaces atlow speeds.  I only drive the vehicle in the summer and its well cared for so I believe the primary suspension components are tight (CV Joints, tie rods, ball joints and struts/strut bearings all are new)  I have never replaced the rubber bushings on the stabilizer bar or steering rack, and its not possible to determine exactly where the noise is coming from because the car has to be moving for it to do the noise.  My question is for a car this old that spent at least a couple of winters in the salty northeast can some or all of these bushings be safely replaced by a driveway mechanic?  I have worried about the rusted bolts sheering off and disabling the car.  Do you think it could be either the rack or stabilizer bushings, or something totally different?

Thanks!

Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,
A couple of areas to check, one in the front, one in the rear (which you may mistakenly attribute to the front).
The sway bar on the front has a cushion and a bushing on each side. I would begin by inspecting all 4 of those and tighten the bolts to 40 foot-pounds. The rubber parts are fairly easy to replace if worn out.
There is also a noise source, though usually a squeak but which might sound like a clunk, that originates at the outer end of the rear axle. It is possible that your noise on going over speed bumps is due to a cracked weld(s) on the torque tube that is located inside the u-shaped REAR axle that is between the rear wheel backing plates. This is very common on the rear suspension of this era of Chrysler cars. You can try to eliminate it by going to a welder and asking them to add some metal to the welds at both ends of the torque tube which will often eliminate or minimize the noise. It is not worth replacing the assembly as it will not affect the safety of rear axle if the weld brakes; the new assembly is about $1,000 even if you could get it. So try the re-welding, they can probably reach about 1/2 way around the tube (the U channel gets in the way of any more than that) and it shouldn't cost more than their minimum labor charge of $25-35 do what they can with it. (It will creak even when the front wheels are the ones going over the bump at that moment due to the body undergoing flexing which is reflected at the rear axle welds. You can often create the creaking sound by pushing down on one of the four corners of the car). So even if this doesn't explain your current noise, keep it in mind for later.
Roland