I have a 2005 Sebring with about 25,000 miles on it. It is in good shape - no problems so far but - last week it developed a sharp bang sound when going over a bump. Nothing is obviously loose. I can not duplicate the sound by bouncing the front end. The dealer put it up on a rack but could not duplicate the noise or see any problem. They aknowledge that the only get the “bang” when they drive it over a bump. (Even very small bumps make the noise). What is it? Is it safe to drive?
Dr. Bill, Let Me Get This Right . . .
[list]You don’t know why your car makes a “sharp bang” over bumps. [/list]
[list]The car manufacturer’s dealer can’t find anything even using a hoist. [/list]
[list]The dealer agrees with you that it bangs. [/list]
[list]You want us (in cyber space) to tell you what it is and let you know if it’s safe? [/list]
That’s a tall order.
Dr. Bill, do you know if the dealer looked for any Chrysler TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) ? These bulletins are issued by Chrysler to Help Chrysler technicians diagnose and fix certain problems on their cars.
There is one for 2001 - 2005 Chrysler Sebring Sedans / Sebring Convertibles / Stratus Sedans that addresses “Pop/Clunk Sound From Front Of Vehicle”
This noise results from traveling over road inputs that “cause the body to come under a twisting load”. The bulletin says that this particular sound should be able to be reproduced by idling the car in “Park” and turning the steering wheel quickly, 90 degrees left and right.
If this fits your situation then the dealer looks up this bulletin #23-039-04 in the Body Group and follows instructions for installing 2 rivets (by part number) in each front shock tower / wheel well area (4 rivets total), as outlined in the TSB. The labor should be less than one hour to do both sides.
[b]Give it the test described above and let us know if this is it or . . .
Take two aspirin, get some rest, and call us back ![/b]
CSA
If it’s not this, you might have someone check the sway bar links. The noise you describe can certainly point to worn sway bar links. You may have gotten a newbie at the dealership who doesn’t know how to check for worn sway bar links. Any good front end shop can find out if it’s these in a matter of minutes. Or, if you prefer the dealership, a different technician may be in order.