Track bar needs new bushings - Diesel Forum

Mudraga · 02-11-2006, 10:54 PM

I've been hearing a clunking sound coming from under my feet when driving. So I was underneath today shaking things until I found the track bar moved a little. The upper bushing appears to be worn out. I suspect thats the sound I'm hearing (and feeling). Is this a common maintenance item with only 67k miles on the truck? Anyone have recommendations for a place to buy new bushings for the track bar?

clamgulch · 02-12-2006, 03:13 PM

Track bar bushings are molded in place, and it is not unusual for them to be shot at 40,000 miles. I replaced my track bar with an adjustable one from Skyjacker and I'm happy with it.

The clunk under foot is PROBABLY the end link on the front sway bar. There was a TSB on them at one time. They appear tight but under a load they flop around because the hole dameter is much larger than the bolt. Tighten the snot out of them- I think they upped the torque to something like 140 foot pounds, but don't take my word for it. You twist off the bolt and a new end link is about $80.

Soaggydogg · 02-12-2006, 05:05 PM

What is the advantage of an adjustable one? And what did you give for that track bar?

bookem · 02-12-2006, 11:30 PM

I too had a clunking noise coming from the front drivers side. My clunking was coming from the front sway bar bushings (the bushings that mount to the axle). The Ford part number for the bushings I bought is YC3Z-5484-BA and were only $9.90 a piece from the dealer. These are very easy to replace, about 15 minutes. Have someone rock the vehicle back and forth while you are underneath, listen and watch where the noise is coming from. I could easily see and hear where the knocking was coming from, if I grabbed the sway bar the noise stopped.

If those bushings aren't causing your clunking check the link bushings on the sway bar or your ball joints.

Dan

IMartin · 02-20-2006, 05:45 PM

I've had mine replace four times in 55,000 miles. They seem to go out when you do a steep angled approach...

clamgulch · 02-20-2006, 10:12 PM

[ QUOTE ]
What is the advantage of an adjustable one? And what did you give for that track bar?

[/ QUOTE ]
sorry, I didn't check this thread in a while. Adjustable one is a tube with heim joints at each end. They don't have a rubber component to wear out, so the steering is tighter. Additionally, they are adjustable for recentering your steering wheel.
Can't recall what I paid for it but it was made by Skyjacker.