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Clunking noise from right front, again.

4K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  danenzmann 
#1 · (Edited)
Replace the upper control arms if you hear a clunking noise from front suspension

The banging noise from the front end is one of the original tech bulletins from KIA, repaired by a sliver of rubber to add extra compression to the front sway bar mount. After 150K miles, I found the worn out upper control arm bushings will create a similar noise:eek:, but is also a fast fix. It only requires three bolts to replace each arm. Upon inspection, the loose bushings allowed excess motion and scrubbed the edges of the front tires smooth. The cost of the control arms is much less than a pair of tires.
I bought new control arms from Detroit Axle for $70, an obvious solution because it includes the upper ball joint. I also replaced the lower control arms and lower ball joints ($120) so all the rubber bushings will be the same age (but not 15 years old). Since I was in there anyway, I replaced the front spring with a MOOG and OEM rubber spring seats ($100). My wife has been complaining about the soft suspension, so the additional cost of the front spring set was not as important as reducing the tension in our family unit. Its cheaper than buying flowers and a restaurant dinner and lasts 1000 times longer. The time involved was just a couple of hours added to the control arm replacements. With new springs and control arms on both sides, the alignment was way off. The lower control arm allows for a minor caster and camber adjustment, but if the lower arm won't compensate for the camber, an adjustable (eccentric) MOOG upper ball joint ($55) should put the tires on the road at the exact angle. The tow-in is adjustable with the outer tie rod ends, but my KIA dealers service manager did not know how adjust the caster and camber, so instead of my trusty local dealer, I took this car to Jeff Gladden at Homer London's alignment shop in Gainesville GA to get it dialed in (another $70). Jeff stated that the new springs needed to settle, so the adjustable ball joints are the only method he knows to set the tires at the correct camber. There are a few choices of ?K7452 ball joints on the Rockauto website. The prices range for $10 each to $80, and they all appear to be the same design. I chose the Mevotech MK7452 ($35), a step up from the GK7452 ($23), but i presume that they are all the same. With all the parts cost this month, its still less than a car payment, but after the $150 for two new tires, my VISA card is maxed out. ::crying:: These constant KIA repairs is why wifey bought a Highlander (the battery has gone dead and the A/C doesn't work).
 
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#3 ·
Detroit Axle saves me money.

You are welcome. Autozone is convenient, but expensive. Highlander works great, Amanti is getting new headlight ballasts.
 
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