Front end 'THUNK"

["michael veronesi" <imperialsrus@xxxxxxxxx>]

Believe it or not, It could be your Driver side Motor mount. The FLOATING POWER style mounts will usually separate , 90% of the time on the drivers side because that is the side that takes all of the UP torque when accelerating. Easy way to tell if the mount is defective is to open your hood, then proceed to start your engine, then with your foot on the brake, shift into Low gear and give the throttle a gentle but somewhat firm nudge. If the mount is OK, then you will only see the motor twist a little towards the passenger side, BUT if it has broken, the motor will tend to rise up a few inches as it twists. It will then come back down with a noticeable metal to metal THUNK.This always occurs in forward gear, but never reverse, because the torque is applied downward on the mount and it is already resting on the frame, but you will usually notice vibration. If the mount is indeed broken, call Then and Now Automotive in Weymouth, Massachusetts. They can revulcanize your old one. PH: (781)-335-8860.

Mike Veronesi-President of the Northeast IMPERIAL Owners Club; (N.E.I.O.C.)  1967 Imperial Crown: 1969 Imperial LeBaron; 1990 Imperial....?

----- Original Message -----

From: Kerry Pinkerton

To: IML

Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2003 12:53 PM

Subject: IML: Front end 'THUNK"

My 64 has developed a thunk.  It is in the drivers side front end.  I hear it and can feel it in the steering wheel.  Most noticable when starting forward after a reverse or sometimes just starting forward after coming to a stop.  Not a loud thunk but a thunk and a small shimmy in the wheel.  Obviously something loose or worn.  Don't see anything obviously bad.  I replaced the upper control arm bushings on this car as documented on the site a few months back and inspected everything pretty well.

 

Anyone familiar with this symptom and possible cure before I have to get into it the hard way?

 

KerryP
Patch panels fabricated
Pinkertonk@xxxxxxxxx
dte.net/57imperial
Imperials -- 50 Limo, 57 roadster, 61's, 64, 68 Convert, 73, a 66 300 and a bunch of lesser marques