'96, R. Front thumps bad on bumps.

My '96 intrepid (3.3) makes an awful thumping noise when driving over minor bumps and potholes. It seems to come from the right front wheel. I replaced the struts without killing myself, but that wasn't it. The alignment shop replaced something (can't recall at the moment, but it was bad when compaired to the other side) for a really small cost...like $30. Anyway, the car drives straight and true, but still has the thump. It sounds like the wheel is gonna fall off sometimes. By the way, it's not just a thump when hitting a bump, but a series of them...sorta like a dribbling basketball. I can feel it in the steering wheel, but has no effect on the steering......
I read a thread on a dodge caravan that had a similar problem and it ended up being a motor mount....Could this be true?

Just read the thread about a "clicking sound" and the excellent response about the engine mounts seems to point me away from them being the problem, though I will check mine just in caase.

Over the years, I have had trouble with all 4 rack mounts , also both inner tie rod bushings. Made lots of noise like the front was falling out. When I took it in for an allignment Midas told me that stabilizer links go often but mine were fine .Have an assistant turn the wheel back and fourth while you watch for movement and listen . I bet its the inner tie rod bushings at the least . Advance autoparts sells a split set for very easy instalation. Pat

Does it sound like metal bouncing on metal??? Since you can feel it in the steering, I'd say check the rack first. Easy check.....grab the rack and pinion and lift up on each side. If you can move it, the bushings are bad. This is fairly common. It is easy fix and relatively cheap. Don't let dealer convince you that replacing just the rack bushings is not an option! They only cost about $8 per side (2 bushings) and it only took a couple hours start to finish.

If rack bushings are bad, don't let them go too long before replacing. A quarter inch of play at the rack equates to 6 inches play in the steering wheel. Can also lead to "quick-steer" which is a pain in the behind when driving on curves! Both of these problems became evident before I realized what was the cause on my daughters 96 3.5 ES.

Maybe check the turn plates at the top if your struts, they get overlooked all the time...

check your sway bar links and lower ball joints very common on these cars oh and at times cushions holding your engine cradle go bad at times and do get over looked

Over the years, I have had trouble with all 4 rack mounts , also both inner tie rod bushings. Made lots of noise like the front was falling out. When I took it in for an allignment Midas told me that stabilizer links go often but mine were fine .Have an assistant turn the wheel back and fourth while you watch for movement and listen . I bet its the inner tie rod bushings at the least . Advance autoparts sells a split set for very easy instalation. Pat


Thanks for the ideas and you kinda nailed it with..."like the front was falling out".

Does it sound like metal bouncing on metal??? Since you can feel it in the steering, I'd say check the rack first. Easy check.....grab the rack and pinion and lift up on each side. If you can move it, the bushings are bad. This is fairly common. It is easy fix and relatively cheap. Don't let dealer convince you that replacing just the rack bushings is not an option! They only cost about $8 per side (2 bushings) and it only took a couple hours start to finish.

If rack bushings are bad, don't let them go too long before replacing. A quarter inch of play at the rack equates to 6 inches play in the steering wheel. Can also lead to "quick-steer" which is a pain in the behind when driving on curves! Both of these problems became evident before I realized what was the cause on my daughters 96 3.5 ES.

Yes, I absolutly had the quick-steer problem...that got old real quick!
I've taken this car to a mechanic friend of mine (works on it in his spare time)....he says he fixed the quick steer problem but still has the clunky sound...he's checked out gobbs of things but hasn't found the source yet, which is what prompt me too start this thread.
Thanks much, I'll check on your advice.

check your sway bar links and lower ball joints very common on these cars oh and at times cushions holding your engine cradle go bad at times and do get over looked

Thanks for the ideas.
Engine cradle cushions...That sounds intense. I'll check it out.