1997 Mercury Villager Suspension Rattling Under The Car
Question: John has a 1997 Mercury Villager. When he hits a bump or hole, he hears a clunk like the floorboards are being hit with a hammer.
Mercury Villager suspension problems
Answer: Did you ever see that old Twilight Zone episode where the gremlin is hammering on the airplane engine (with William Shattner)? It must be the same gremlin whacking away on your van. But seriously, here’s a common problem on those Villagers: A “rattling/creaking” noise may come from the rear of some vehicles. The noise may be present in the floor area or the sliding door. On some vehicles, it may be heard on the left side. This may be caused by excessive clearance between the spring shackle plate mounting bolt shoulders and the shackle plate.
ACTION: Replace both shackle plates and upper bolts. And this may also be applicable: NOISE – “CLUNKING” OR “THUMPING” FROM REAR OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS – VEHICLES BUILT FROM 4/13/92 TO 10/22/96 LIGHT TRUCK: 1993-97 VILLAGER This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to correct the service part numbers. ISSUE: A “clunking” or “thumping” noise may be heard from the rear of the vehicle while driving over bumps. This may result from improperly calibrated rear shock absorbers.
ACTION: Replace the rear shock absorbers with redesigned shocks having revised valve calibration. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details. SO, basically check the shackles and the rear shock absorbers FIRST. Of course any worn suspension part can make such a noise, but these are the TWO most common problems villagers have had. good luck
