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  #1  
Old 09-28-2015, 06:26 AM
luchador luchador is offline
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Default Knocking Noise when hitting bumps

Hi All,

I'm looking for some help in diagnosing a problem which just surfaced yesterday. I have a 2005 Ford Ranger FX4 Level 2.

I was getting off the highway yesterday when I heard a loud "pop" from underneath the vehicle. The truck did jolt slightly and I thought I may have hit something but nothing was visible in the road. Now the truck makes a knocking noise when hitting bumps a certain way or turning sometimes at low speed. The truck otherwise handles and drives normal with no difference in steering or handling. I was able to drive it home at highway speed without incident. I can reproduce the knocking noise by pushing down the passenger side front bumper all the way. There is no sound when pushing down the drivers side front bumper. I looked underneath the car and didn't notice anything obviously broken.

Any idea what broke on my vehicle? Thanks in advance for your help.
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  #2  
Old 09-28-2015, 06:29 AM
Vogenitz69 Vogenitz69 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by luchador View Post
Hi All, I'm looking for some help in diagnosing a problem which just surfaced yesterday. I have a 2005 Ford Ranger FX4 Level 2. I was getting off the highway yesterday when I heard a loud "pop" from underneath the vehicle. The truck did jolt slightly and I thought I may have hit something but nothing was visible in the road. Now the truck makes a knocking noise when hitting bumps a certain way or turning sometimes at low speed. The truck otherwise handles and drives normal with no difference in steering or handling. I was able to drive it home at highway speed without incident. I can reproduce the knocking noise by pushing down the passenger side front bumper all the way. There is no sound when pushing down the drivers side front bumper. I looked underneath the car and didn't notice anything obviously broken. Any idea what broke on my vehicle? Thanks in advance for your help.
balljoint? Sway bar end link? How are the shocks looking up there?
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Old 09-28-2015, 07:05 AM
SB03Ranger SB03Ranger is offline
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Default Re: Knocking Noise when hitting bumps

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vogenitz69 View Post
balljoint? Sway bar end link? How are the shocks looking up there?
+1

when was the last time or ever the shocks, balljoints, and swaybar links replaced?
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Old 09-28-2015, 07:49 AM
luchador luchador is offline
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Default Re: Knocking Noise when hitting bumps

Everything is all original. After doing some more research, I think it may be the sway bar link. I will look underneath the truck after work to confirm.
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Old 09-28-2015, 08:12 AM
GSF1200S GSF1200S is offline
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Default Re: Knocking Noise when hitting bumps

Please please at least check the ball joints. Most other stuff is not THAT catastrophic, but a ball joint failing at the wrong time can lead to a wreck and even death. Do not just assume here- take a look.

Not to condescend or anything- just trying to encourage safety here...
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  #6  
Old 09-28-2015, 08:24 AM
Ordinary Biker Ordinary Biker is offline
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Default Re: Knocking Noise when hitting bumps

First place I would look is the lower shock absorber bushing. Because I have had this happen to me several times. And it's an easy fix.

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Old 09-28-2015, 02:58 PM
Fackler Rebel Fackler Rebel is offline
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Default Re: Knocking Noise when hitting bumps

Blew a shock sounds like. Do a good visual.
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  #8  
Old 05-08-2016, 09:09 PM
1992RangerXLT 1992RangerXLT is offline
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Hey guys I'm new here but I have a question. I've replaced on the front end tie rods,upper and lower ball joints and I'm still having a knocking noise in my front end. What do y'all think is the problem? Oh it's a 1992 regular cab 2wd it has twin I-beam suspension
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Old 05-08-2016, 09:17 PM
ford4thot ford4thot is offline
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Default Re: Knocking Noise when hitting bumps

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Originally Posted by 1992RangerXLT View Post
Hey guys I'm new here but I have a question. I've replaced on the front end tie rods,upper and lower ball joints and I'm still having a knocking noise in my front end. What do y'all think is the problem? Oh it's a 1992 regular cab 2wd it has twin I-beam suspension
Maybe radius arm brackets. Mine was popping, so I decided to replace the bushings. Then I found this


Last edited by ford4thot; 05-11-2016 at 08:59 PM.
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Old 05-08-2016, 09:21 PM
1992RangerXLT 1992RangerXLT is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ford4thot View Post
Maybe radius arm bushings. Mine was popping, so I decided to replace the bushings. Then I found this
cost of repair?
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Old 05-11-2016, 08:56 PM
ford4thot ford4thot is offline
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Default Re: Knocking Noise when hitting bumps

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1992RangerXLT View Post
cost of repair?
Sorry I did not see this earlier

Well the new bushings were $22. Energy Suspension poly bushings.

I decided to replace both radius arm brackets and they cost right at $100. I'm installing it all myself though so no labor charges


Just to explain further, the metal of radius arm bracket itself sheared off

Passenger side


Driver's side
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