Do these bushings need replacement?

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Lemming

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I've been trying to track down a clunking sound (on my '05 Sunfire) when I go over bumps. It isn't very loud and occurs when accelerating, braking and driving. I think it happens most when the road is bumpy.

I've attached pictures of the sway bar link bushings and think this may be the source of my clunking problem.

I need an opinion on the state of these bushings. Do these bushings look worn out?? Should they be replaced??

Thank you in advance for any advice/opinion.

Worn Bushing Left Side.jpg Worn Bushing Right Side.jpg
 
it wouldnt hurt to replace them, they look dry rotted. You make no mention if you have ever replaced the front struts but a couple of other sources of noise would be the upper strut bearing and the lower control arm bushings.
 
I purchased the vehicle used and don't know its history, so I couldn't tell you the age of the front struts.

(1) Is there a way to tell if the struts are bad (by appearance)??

(2) Can you educate me a little bit about what an upper strut bearing is?? It's location?? And how you can tell if it is bad or not??

(3) What should I look for on the lower control arm bushings to determine if they are bad?? Cracks, dry rot??

Again, thank you for any advice...
 
1. They either show signs of leaking or do not suppress the bouncing of the vehicle
2. The top of the strut rotates in a bearing and should be replaced when the struts are replaced.
3. Cracks and dry rot.
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(1) My struts show no signs of leakage and do suppress bouncing of the car, so I think my front struts are OK.

(2) I understand about the upper strut bearing and it looks like the strut and upper strut bearing are all one unit, should I assume if the previous owner replaced the struts that a new bearing was part of the assembly??

(3) It looks like I'm going to have to jack the car up and put it on jack stands in order to get a good visual on the lower control arm bushings. So, I'll inspect them this weekend.

(4) Also one more question, how can you tell if you have a bad lower ball joint??

Thanks again for your help and explanations. I'm a bit of an "old school" shade tree mechanic and don't know a lot about the newer vehicles, so I appreciate you educating me on this car. I really need to keep it running for a few more years.
 
If the struts were replaced as a complete unit they probably replaced the bearing, start looking elsewhere for your problem.
Lower ball joint check should be the same as the older cars, support lower control arm and lever up on the wheel while watching for movement at the ball joint.
 
I checked the lower control arms and lower ball joints. The rubber bushing appear to be in good shape, no cracks, no deterioration. I used a pry bar to check for play and I can barely move the control arm, so there is no excessive play.

I did find some play in the lower engine mount isolator (passenger side), and replaced that part.

I found some wear and tearing in my upper engine mount (passenger side), and replaced that mount, as well.

I replaced the sway bar bushings that are previously pictured (above).

I had previously replaced the tie rod ends, last year and they are in good shape.

I had previously replaced the front brake pads, but doubled checks all of the hardware for anything loose or rattling... all good.

I have even normal tire wear, the car drives straight down the road, no pulls to either side.

I inspected the transmission mount (Driver's side) and I saw no signs of cracking or deterioration and attempted to shake the transmission around the mount and there was no play.

I still have my clunking noise... (more at low speeds)

(1) What is the proper way to check the transmission mount on the lower driver's side area??

(2) Are there any other engine/transmission mounts that I may be missing?? There was a solid mount (front lower passenger side) and that was tight, then the passenger side upper engine mount which I replaced, and the lower driver's side transmission mount which I checked.

(3) I'm assuming there should be a slight amount of give in the lower control arm, when I used my pry bar to check them. Is this assumption correct??

(4) Is there anything else I can check??

Again, thank you in advance.
 
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1, with the vehicle supported on jack stands use a pry bar or gently push up with a piece of wood using a jack.
2. this diagram shows all the mounts http://www.tonkinonlineparts.com/sh...2005&ukey_category=22488&ukey_trimLevel=26567
3. Yes, a cracked or worn bushing should be visually obvious.
4. Did you check the bushings that mount the front stabilizer bar to the frame?
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(1) OK... My next day off, I'll put the car back up on jack stands and test the transmission mount.

(2) I have the automatic transmission version of this setup, so I went to the automatic transmission version of this picture, and yes, I found all three mounts, just need to re-test the transmission mount using the method you described. (I've replaced the other two mounts.)

(3) OK... we can rule out lower control arm bushings.

(4) I did visually inspect those bushings (inside that frame tunnel piece that protects the sway bar). They were just dusty, but appeared intact and healthy. When I installed the new outer sway bar bushings (pictured above), I encountered a lot of resistance from the sway bar, as I fitted in the new set. I'm assuming if the inner bushings were worn out, I would NOT have felt resistance and would have heard some metal on metal contact?? Is this assumption correct?? Is there a different method for testing those inner sway bar bushings??

Thanks again for educating me about my car.
 
can you simulate the clunking noise if someone bounces the car up and down to help you locate the source?
 
I've bounced the car "three ways to Sunday" and can't duplicate the noise.

I can hear it the most at low speeds and little bumps. Speed Bumps don't duplicate the clunk.

That is why I was leaning towards engine/transmission mounts and not actual suspension parts?? (just a theory)...

Thanks.
 
I have had similar clunky noises in my other car (Sentra)that drove me crazy. I went through motor mounts and all. Turned out to be a bad strut
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Yes... I still have to check the transmission mount (using the method that melsg5 suggested).

If one (or both) of the front struts are going bad, I imagine that they will eventually get louder and become more obvious??

How did you eventually diagnose the bad strut in your Sentra, did the clunking noise get louder??

I was looking at struts on-line and it looks like I can get a pair for about $160 (shipped). They look fairly easy to install, as well.
 
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