Front end clunk----turns out it was tie rods and radius rods

Cool_V_300C · 04-10-2009, 02:40 PM

I was reading the posts about the clunk noise and some getting relief by
replacing the sway bar bushings.

I was having a clunking noise. In my case there was no change in steering
or handling, but a clunk over bumps.

I took the car in to the dealer for an oil change and inquired about the noise. The diagnosis was quick. Turns out in addition to outer tie rods, they also needed to replace the tension strut.

I have just now picked up my clunk free 300C. The car seems much more
stable, so now, thinking back, maybe the problems affected handling/ride
much more than I previously assumed.

Thought I'd contribute this in case someone else has the clunking noise,
and needs some idea of what to look into.

**Jerad** · 04-10-2009, 02:43 PM

I have a 2007 300c with 58,000 miles and I was just told my outer tie rods are bad. I bought the car new and this is the second time they are being replaced! wtf

Cool_V_300C · 04-10-2009, 08:31 PM

yep, tie rods (and radius rod bushings) seem to be a problem with this
car. I managed 37,000 miles before they quit, and that seems to be
a record. I see on here that some have had to replace the tie rods
even before 10K.

**Jerad** · 04-14-2009, 01:28 AM

I was told at dealership if my first ones went out before 12,000 miles they would warranty them. (I am out of factory warranty)
I have switched to a new dealership and I told them I cant remember exactly when the first set went out..

**LSCto300C** · 04-14-2009, 07:51 PM

My car's in the shop right now getting the tie rods done. I have to say they're an awesome dealer and the guys in the service department were in agreement that the tie rods on the LX cars are GARBAGE. The guy who I talked to said they rarely have a 300C or Charger that doesn't have bad tie rods when they do an alignment. That may be a bit exaggerated but, when you think about it, look how many people right here on the forums have had their tie rods go out ridiculously early.

vettebk · 04-24-2012, 03:21 PM

Just replaced my outer tie rod end (drivers side) at 55,000 miles. Bought a Moog replacement. Car drives so much better now.

foryourride · 11-19-2012, 01:18 AM

this is funny. i too need to replace the front tension struts (torn bushing) but the dealer told me i too needed new tie rod end. he was suprised with my answer " really..... i just replaced them about a week before the car went in for an oil change. he back pedaled and said it must have been the other car he worked on and told me "sorry about that" mad i hate going to the dealers. the only reason i did is i needed my tranny fluid checked.

pugs · 12-16-2012, 07:24 PM

did u need to get front aligment also ??

Celina300C · 01-02-2013, 07:31 PM

I just spent 6 weeks working on my front end with my dad to fix that what seemed like a never ending front end clunking, after changing the brakes (they needed it) the upper struts, lower control arm (bushings were gone), upper control arms, stablizer bar, tie rod, and lord knows what else. I did some research. I LOVE this site. It was the weirdest thing the clunk went away without the stablizer bar, put it back on and it was back. Thanks to this forum I was able to determine that it was the sway arm bushings. I was really dispointed that I was unable to use the Moog replacement parts suggested they just didn't fit, however cluncking is gone, wheel alignment is scheduled and undercoating. Thanks to everyone on this site.

dstadler · 04-22-2013, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celina300C

I just spent 6 weeks working on my front end with my dad to fix that what seemed like a never ending front end clunking, after changing the brakes (they needed it) the upper struts, lower control arm (bushings were gone), upper control arms, stablizer bar, tie rod, and lord knows what else. I did some research. I LOVE this site. It was the weirdest thing the clunk went away without the stablizer bar, put it back on and it was back. Thanks to this forum I was able to determine that it was the sway arm bushings. I was really dispointed that I was unable to use the Moog replacement parts suggested they just didn't fit, however cluncking is gone, wheel alignment is scheduled and undercoating. Thanks to everyone on this site.

Same here, it WAS the sway bar bushings and the after market replacements did not work. CAREFUL!!! They come in 3 sizes and while nominal (1", 1.06" & 1.18") it does make a difference. Mine (2006 Limited) used the 1.06". Hate to think all the money I spent on all the other parts and labour when these items were less than $10.00 each and easy to install.