Front end clunking/popping sound under braking

[jlerwin911]

I have a 2021 Aviator Reserve that I purchased with 8K miles and now has 79K miles (long work commute/hwy miles) and the vehicle is very well maintained. At around 74K I started noticing a slight clunking sound in the front end under a little harder than normal braking (basically enough force to rock the car forward and then back when stopping). I took it into the dealership and they stated that both front struts need to be replaced along with the mounting assembly (around $2,000 in parts and labor). Anybody else have this happen?

I do have an extended warranty thru a third party company, but long story short they are denying the claim because their inspector said that the struts do not show signs of leaking, the struts pass a bounce test, and that a cause of fault (the clunking sound) cannot be determined. Please stay as far away from Smart Autocare extended warranty company, they are an absolute nightmare.

 

[LSC]

Sorry to hear about the warranty trouble. My MKT needed front struts before 60k miles and they were covered under the Lincoln extended warranty. Sounds similar to your symptoms. mostly drove fine not bouncy or harsh but made noise on bumps dealer test came back with two bad struts. New ones in and it felt like a new car again.

Amazing that you've put so many miles on it. Great place to spend time though!

 

[jlerwin911]

Sorry to hear about the warranty trouble. My MKT needed front struts before 60k miles and they were covered under the Lincoln extended warranty. Sounds similar to your symptoms. mostly drove fine not bouncy or harsh but made noise on bumps dealer test came back with two bad struts. New ones in and it felt like a new car again.

Amazing that you've put so many miles on it. Great place to spend time though!

Absolutely love the car and specifically picked it due to how smooth and quiet it is. I just try to forget about the mileage and enjoy the drive. LOL.

 

[G-941111]

I’ve had the same issue the last week. I need rotors for the rear at 50k miles because they feel warped and this clunk started so I figured, let’s do all 4 corners with oem parts..while waiting I tightened up the strut tower brace..and the front end clunk went away.