97 TBird Front End Noise

1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
Avatar
JASONHARJO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
97 Ford Thunderbird, 132K miles, 4.6L V8

I have a rattle sound coming from the front suspension of my car. I took it to a local mechanic. He told me I needed to replace my rack and pinion. Is it common for the rack and pinion to wear like this? I do many repairs on my car and I was wondering how hard it is to replace the rack and pinion and the lower ball joints?
Jul 31, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JASONHARJO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I apologize for the limited info. Thanks for the quick response. The rattle noise happens at all speeds and only when I hit bumps, large or small it doesn't matter.

Also while driving on the highway at high speeds the stearing wheels shimmy's back and forth ever so slightly but very noticable.

I know the lower ball joints are bad but they aren't causing the noise. I will replace them when I replace whatever is causing the noise.

I have never replaced my front struts or my rear shocks.
Jul 31, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
I have seen the sway bar links cause this noise and they are easily to replace FYI.
Apr 28, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Advertisement