Ford Mustang - noises when driving over uneven surfaces

With the vehicle type mentioned above, a distinct clunking noise may be heard from the front axle area when driving over uneven surfaces. The noise typically manifests itself as a dull thud, which occurs mainly when driving over cobblestones, transverse joints or potholes.

In many cases, the cause is a worn-out stabiliser link (anti-roll bar link) on the front axle. Wear and tear on the ball joints causes play, which results in a clunking noise when the suspension compresses.
So as to diagnose the problem, the front axle stabiliser links, i.e. the struts, have to be visually inspected for damage and defective boots. The vehicle must then be placed on a lifting platform so that the wheels are hanging freely and the load is taken off the stabiliser struts. To check the position in more detail, the stabiliser should be gripped in the area where it is supported by the stabiliser strut and then moved up and down (see Figure 1). If there is noticeable play on the stabiliser or if the clunking noise can be clearly reproduced, this indicates that the stabiliser strut or link is worn. The test must generally be carried out on both sides, as both anti-roll bar links are equally likely to cause noise.

If, during the inspection, excessive play or a distinct noise build-up is detected, the affected stabiliser strut must be replaced. After replacement, all fastenings on the stabiliser struts must be tightened to the correct torque in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and the chassis is to be checked during a test drive to ensure that there is no longer any noise.