need suspension advice - Ford Forums

DaveP · 06-04-2009, 10:45

I recently noticed a noise coming from the rear on my 03 wagon (50000 miles), when getting out to look I noticed the driver's side appeared to be sagging.

Took it to the dealership......diagnosed with a bad spring (under warranty). I asked them to replace the shocks at the same time and to do the passenger side aswell.

They replaced the springs, shocks and swaybar bushings on both sides (I also see brackets on the invoice).

The car still appears to sag to one side, there is about a 1 inch difference in height between the fender and the top of the tire on the drivers side versus the passenger side (both rear). I have an inclined driveway and I notice that I hear a clunk noise in the rear as the back tires are starting up the incline.

I tried driving up other inclines (entrances to some parking lots that are slightly raised above street level) and have heard the noise. Noise does not appear when driving over potholes, maybe related to the angle that I'm approaching the incline.

TIA

**Sterling_Six** · 06-04-2009, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveP

I recently noticed a noise coming from the rear on my 03 wagon (50000 miles), when getting out to look I noticed the driver's side appeared to be sagging.

Took it to the dealership......diagnosed with a bad spring (under warranty). I asked them to replace the shocks at the same time and to do the passenger side aswell.

They replaced the springs, shocks and swaybar bushings on both sides (I also see brackets on the invoice).

The car still appears to sag to one side, there is about a 1 inch difference in height between the fender and the top of the tire on the drivers side versus the passenger side (both rear). I have an inclined driveway and I notice that I hear a clunk noise in the rear as the back tires are starting up the incline.

I tried driving up other inclines (entrances to some parking lots that are slightly raised above street level) and have heard the noise. Noise does not appear when driving over potholes, maybe related to the angle that I'm approaching the incline.

TIA

Hello and good day Dave:

Have you checked your Tire Pressure lately??

Also Have you made sure that the Repairs they charged you were actually done?? Can you get under the car and check??

1ATony · 06-05-2009, 13:14

Welcome to the board. Dave did you look under the car to see if the shocks and springs were repaired?

If your not sure I would have a private garage take a quick look at it for you.Tell them your concerns,and what repairs were supposed to have been done to the car.

I bet they'd love to go through it.

**Sterling_Six** · 06-05-2009, 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ATony

Welcome to the board. Dave did you look under the car to see if the shocks and springs were repaired?

If your not sure I would have a private garage take a quick look at it for you.Tell them your concerns,and what repairs were supposed to have been done to the car.

I bet they'd love to go through it.

Great advice Tony...I learn long time ago that there are good Mechanic and bad mechanic.

**360ci** · 06-06-2009, 08:41

Id' take it back to the dealer, they're obligated to tell you why it still sits like it does and why what they fixed didn't fix your original concern. This way you don't have to pay extra for a private shop to check out the front end. Or, try a different dealer if there's one nearby. Service affects sales, and with the economy the way it is now, dealers want you to come back and buy! I've never had any problems with concerns after dealer work was done on any of my vehicles. I had a wheel bearing replaced and the tech didn't straighten out the backing plate so it made a light squeak sound with each rotation of the wheel. The dealer not only fixed it right away, but gave me a discount coupon for future services in the shop for my trouble.

DaveP · 06-27-2009, 10:13

I took it back to the dealership for them to have another look. They hooked up some microphones at different points underneath and took it for a road test.

They found the noise was coming from the gas tank lip rubbing against something (frame?), they tightened all the components, etc.

Everything now good! No charge for the 2nd visit.

Thanks to all who offered advice!!

**360ci** · 06-27-2009, 19:45

Right on! At least you took it in and the dealer found a fix. To have any part gas related rubbing against something else isn't good!! Cheers!