2006 - 2010 Dodge Charger Front End Clunk Explained

I revised previous videos and added footage of new and old parts explaining why they go bad. Now this is my experience. I like to customize cars but the more important thing is to have everything in good working order. The kit I ordered is Detroit Axle ( found on Ebay )- fits 2005-2010 charger,challenger,300 v6 Part list: Upper control arms, both lower control arms (4) , all ball joints needed, inner / outer tie rods , tie rod boots,and sway bar links for the front end.

[@mckeevb]

This is the best video ever to explain front end noises on these older chargers and Chryslers. Any one of these parts can drive you crazy and maybe they all need replaced. Thank you. You saved me from going completely mad.

[@BigJ3RD]

Glad to be of help to you. Some people don't know how companies like FCA -Daimler Chrysler make money on the back end of the auto world. It's basically a suspension design from Mercedes Benz without the Benz quality standard. American car with 3 control arms at all 4 wheels? But I'm all in. I love my car.

[@MikeF421]

This front end design is the dumbest thing ever. Why would you put a double pivot point at the bottom of the knuckle on different planes? You're just flexing the bushings in the lower control arms more than necessary.

[@BigJ3RD]

@@MikeF421 daimlerchrysler invented it so you know basically that means Mercedes they make money on the tail end after you've had the car for years.

[@mckeevb]

​@@MikeF421 Maybe this is why none of my other cars had this problem. I'm 70 and have owned many cars.

[@davidrobins4025]

I just did the Sway Bar "bushings" on my 2013 Dodge Charger SXT. You would swear the front end was about to fall off. $20.06 CD for the two rubber bushings. So nice to drive a car with a quiet front end again.

[@Thinkeroutsidethebox]

the front sway bar bushings also lead to that clunk noise...usually the culprit

[@appleking9836]

I just did this job! Using the same kit. I’m handy and had all the tools. It took me about 16 hours. Including About two hours of redo, when I did something in the wrong order. It’s not hard, it just takes time. You must have an electric or air impact wrench and a click type torque wrench! Plan the job, watch a lot of untuned vids to get the correct order, and get all the torque specs in advance. The kits include zero documentation.

[@prelunar4201]

If you have tried everything and still have a clunking sound when going over bumps, then take a look at your transmission's mounting bracket. It may be the problem. It was in my case. I had been chasing the cause of the clunking noise when going over bumps for months. I changed the strut assemblies, the sway bar bushings, the sway bar links, the lower forward facing control arm, and the lower rear facing control arms. I changed all those components and still had the problem. I looked all over the web for a solution, but could not find anything that I hadn't tried. Ultimately, I put the car on a lift and started examining the car from underneath with a pry bar and was shocked to see that the transmission mounting bracket was broken. It was a mess. It was still in place, but in 3 pieces. I must have wacked the tar out of it sometime in the past and not examined it properly. When going over bumps, the clunk was awful and loud. Swapped it out and it's like a whole new car. Finally. Good Luck.

[@jtugfestiva]

How hard was it to replace?

[@prelunar4201]

@@jtugfestiva If you can raise the car, replacing the transmission mount is a piece of cake. It was much easier than replacing any of the other components. You just remove six screws that are easily accessible from beneath the car.

[@LegalEye--]

Engine mounts too. Check em. Put car in reverse.. Foot on brake ..press gas peddle ..see if engine raises up and slams down.

[@smallblocksleeper4419]

This is a great video! I am going to be replacing my sway bars and front struts anyway, so might as well replace the entire front end as well!

[@psode27]

I ordered a cheap kit from A1 Auto. Unfortunately, it lasted about a year and started making noises. I've since replaced inner tie rods, ball joints, and struts now TWICE in just a few years. This is a miserably designed front end. Great video!

[@josem.2909]

They’re junk, I ordered from them too and wasted my money

[@dennisd292]

Thank you so much for this. I'm about to buy a 2011 Dodge charger with this problem and I'm glad that it's only this problem

[@dkrawk8309]

This is 20+ problems....

[@timlaxtonsr3729]

I've been through it all on mine and changed everything in the front..my sway bar links kept working loose .I had to put lock tight on the nuts..now my charger also had the heavy duty police package front end which caused a lot of getting the wrong parts.

[@gearhead4005]

really good video dude. Thanks!

[@BigJ3RD]

Thanks. It's crazy the way it's designed. But I guess they knew people would really be testing the limits of these mopars. I'm all in with mine. What ever is broken gets fixed. Even getting this kit In the future I'll replace it with better quality parts as needed.

[@garrett1737]

Good short explanation of all the suspension components

[@garrett1737]

And for the noobs out there, the control arm that Big J initially points to is also referred to as the "front lower forward" or "tensioner arm". The other arm that the strut connects to is called the "front lower rearward". Can get confusing when you need a specific arm . And the arm that connects to the sway bar is the "Stabilizer Bar End Link" or just the sway bar link.

[@garrett1737]

And when you're replacing these parts make sure your kit or piece comes with new hardware like bolts, castle nuts, washers, etc. Sometimes they don't and it's pretty annoying, so I've had to order very specific Morpar items from eBay for certain things. Not even specific to suspension. Imo it's nicer to have brand new hardware in the unfortunate case you need to get down there again (seems to be the case with this model suspension...)

[@localremodelersservices6508]

Great video

[@michaelsboyd]

1st off, Thank you for posting this video. It helped me understand how this suspension is made. This video was published Sept 2018. Now that you've been driving on them, how have they stood up? Are you happy with the products and would you buy it again? I've got an 06 magnum about to do some work. Again, thank you, very helpful video.

[@BigJ3RD]

I have had zero issues. I have even had fun pushing things to the limit with the pedal Commander that I had.

[@BigJ3RD]

Thanks.I had kept racking my brain about what different noises I was hearing so I just made it a point to find out exactly when where and how the suspension was made.

[@michaelsboyd]

@@BigJ3RD thanks for getting back and so fast! I was pilfering through your other videos. Lol looking at your eibach kit, and your rear camber bushings. Those springs made a huge difference, it has a great stance. What size rims and tires are those? I like how neat and clean your car looks. Good job!

[@michaelsboyd]

@@BigJ3RD that's exactly how i found your video. i have a new clunk. it wasn't the struts or the brakes(the struts were bad and so were the brakes) I got the R1 Concepts brake kit, drilled/slotted rotors ceramic pads. About $240 Shipped. (i found an online coupon code, helped a little bit) they've been on two weeks so far so good.

[@be020964]

I have used Detroit Axle on my Pkup and Challenger . Works great

[@JeffBrown-us2uj]

Great job explaining this. That is the same kit I was looking at on Amazon. Great price. Did you replace all the components?

[@BigJ3RD]

Yes sir. My charger came from New Jersey with rust issues.

[@alphae9712]

@@BigJ3RD hello I ordered all this from Amazon how did it drive after installing ?? My parts didn’t last after installing

[@bradlienichols6415]

Im in Louisiana as well and i have a pop or clunch noise when i move the car and turn the wheel

[@julioyescas27]

Good video. I'm getting the same parts for mine. So you didn't have to change the struts after doing this? The noise went away?

[@BigJ3RD]

My struts were fine. I only noticed noise over bumps. Once my mechanic got it on the lift we saw rusted parts with worn-out bushings. I have had zero problems. I never would have continued to modify the car (as seen in other videos ) if this issue wasn't resolved.

[@julioyescas27]

I have same problem right now. Just ordered parts.Thanks for the info.

[@BigJ3RD]

@@julioyescas27 no problem. Thanks for watching.

[@allenmoretsky7756]

Just saved me a lot of aggravation. There's a 2010 Charger for sale locally. Good price, but has a clunk in the front end. I can see it would be too expensive to fix via a garage and although I usually do my own work, this looks like a lot of grunting on the front end. I wonder how long it took you to replace the 20 parts? Thanks for the video. Really appreciate it.

[@BigJ3RD]

I got this kit to get me by until I could afford to do better. It lasted 2 years approximately. I plan on keeping this car until the Earth stops spinning. I know have lifetime warranty on my parts (from my job. Lol). Don't get me wrong about this. I love my car and enjoy it daily.

[@CIE504]

I have a 2010 Charger and the dealership says it will be about 800$ to change Rod Strut Bushings/Front Tension Rod.

[@HydroTECGaming]

This goes for newer models as well. My 2017 Charger RT has a clunk coming from the driver side. Great info dude!

[@christopherbrown6592]

HydroTEC Gaming what was it?

[@HydroTECGaming]

Christopher Brown mine whined up being front sway bar bushings

[@anthonymccurdy221]

Yo boss what was the brand of these again I’m running this issue but seeing a lot of bad reviews of the parts not holding up in future. Not this brand in particular just amazon products.how has your parts held up

[@BigJ3RD]

I'm still rolling strong 💪.

[@skywalkk0079]

Thanks bro I will be checking out Detroit axle

[@350Zquicksilver]

Detroit Axle looks nice! I went with (Suspension Dudes) 16pc kit, also ebay and Amazon. In the process of installing the kit at the moment. They use polyurethane bushings on what seems to be the big problem areas on the 300, Charger and Magnum of that era, lower control arm + forward tension arm.

[@camocowboy2254]

@350zquicksilver how were the parts. Debating on whether to go with suspensiondudes or Detroit axle.

[@350Zquicksilver]

@@camocowboy2254 - Parts are good, everything is working fine. Parts with the red bushings are in a neutral position, no camber adjustment like OEM, just a FYI. My steering is fine after the alignment months ago. GL!

[@happysawfish]

Excellent work! Question important to me right now, did this cause any vibration at highway speed? Similar to a tire out of balance?

[@BigJ3RD]

Not that much. Mainly when going over bumps. But I never really pushed it until after the repairs. No problems so far. Everything is smooth.

[@codyfordyce7357]

How did these do long term? I found the Ebay listing and someone had a review citing concerns over long term quality

[@BigJ3RD]

I have had no issues whatsoever. I even lowered my Charger afterwards.

[@florzellpaschal4405]

I have an 05 Dodge Magnum and I'm having the same issues. Does Detroit Axle make a quality product and so far are you satisfied with the way the kit is holding up?

[@BigJ3RD]

I think the kit is the same. If you go to the advertising of the kits on Ebay there is a compatability reference. As far as the installation and the ride after the kit. I have no complaints. I recommend this product. The only thing is you have to give it awhile to rest at normal stance ( sits up higher after changing )

[@florzellpaschal4405]

@@BigJ3RD OK and thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[@marcusw31302]

Florzell Paschal dame here my 2005 magnum brought me here to this video

[@BigJ3RD]

@@marcusw31302 the parts are the same. Since then I have replaced the rear upper control arms .

[@eduballen10]

How has the suspension held up so far now that their are some miles on the kit by Detroit Axle?

[@BigJ3RD]

It held up good. I was in a bind at the time with having to replace so much at one time. At my job it would have been $1,100. I have replaced 2 lower control arms.

[@superman323200]

HELP!!! Can you tell me the best way to replace all those in order of removal? Like which part do i take off first. I bought. 16 peice suspension replacements. An i dont know which ones to start woth first. Ive done the tire then break assembly(for extra room) then which part next. HELP PLEZ!!

[@BigJ3RD]

I wouldn't know that information. I do have a mechanic for big jobs like that.

[@JuhKohTee]

I redid my whole entire front end on my 2010 Charger SXT like this homie. There's still some clunk. I'm about to throw some higher end Strut Tensioners & see how that works.

[@BigJ3RD]

I eventually replaced everything front and back with AutoZone ( duralast) parts

[@slick1677]

@@BigJ3RD did you end up replacing these parts again or are they holding up

[@mckeevb]

A while ago, I fixed a rattle caused by "Tension Struts" , another front suspension part not in your video. It goes on and on !

[@BigJ3RD]

Now that I work for a car auto parts store it isn't too bad.

[@debatebore1057]

I also replaced the tension struts on my 06 CSRT8 and no change in clunking. That was after replacing the end links and sway bar bushings (MOOG). I'm been too stubborn to go the full replacement route because of cost and I have seen others replace everything up front and still not resolve the problem. I like another commenter's idea here re: the transmission mount.

[@mckeevb]

@@debatebore1057 I replaced everything on another car, Chrysler 300 and it did solve the problem.

[@camocowboy2254]

@b mc aren’t the tension struts also know as the front forward control arm that he shows in the vid?

[@cupwalker24.7]

Thanks man I just picked up a sweet charger for cheap full of bullet holes runs sweet looks amazing but has a small clunk ... I like the bullet holes in mine gives it character 😂

[@BigJ3RD]

That would make for a cool theme. Maybe Bonnie and Clyde. You could do a full scene wrap.

[@cupwalker24.7]

@@BigJ3RD ya I really like the bullet holes that passed through the cab and went out the other side I got most of them patched up and got the car sprayed so it's pretty mint now with offset wheels and spacers

[@BigJ3RD]

@@cupwalker24.7 I'm in about 5 Dodge groups on facebook. You would get a lot of attention with it

[@BrandynQuigley]

i know this is old but maybe you'll get a notification. how long did it take you to swap out all twenty pieces?

[@BigJ3RD]

I just dropped it off before I went to work and picked it up after I went to work.

[@appleking9836]

I just did this. I’m handy and had all the tools. It took me about 16 hours. Including About two hours of redo, when I did something in the wrong order. It’s not hard, it just takes time. You must have an electric or air impact wrench and a click type torque wrench!

[@zeshanquyyam5346]

So my mechanic said I need to replace the front tie rod so would I need this kit or only a particular tie rod and how much would it cost ?

[@203232crash]

If your car is older and worn. Replace it all. It's pretty easy to do at home especially with all these videos out.

[@ssarawan5099]

Question about Detroit Axle - how is the quality? Any issues?

[@BigJ3RD]

I got this kit because I was in a bind not being able to afford buying this many parts from a regular auto store. I got a good two years out of it. I have replaced a couple items since.

[@user-jv6np1ee5s]

My son changed out his rack and pinion and then found out that the main problem was the steering column u joint.

[@mr.mantheman6332]

I must have gotten some bunk ass parts, same issue, same kit, same noise afterward. From what I have heard detroit axle is hit or miss.

[@ciscopedrovilla2447]

I'm trying to order the same deal you have gotten. Can you send me the specifics so I can order the.

[@BigJ3RD]

I edited the description to include the information.

[@FaithHopeBlessed]

I have a 2007 charger ❤️... I hear the noise in my front end when I turn my wheel to the right but only when I turn the wheel 😭 1,000 something I don’t have are they anything I can try before sinking that kind of money into it ?

[@BigJ3RD]

There are suspension kits on ebay under $300.

[@FaithHopeBlessed]

@@BigJ3RD thank u.

[@LegalEye--]

Lower control..hole is oblong and not round. 3% adjustment.. (Pointless) and allows play if bolt isn't torqued proper

[@ericmoffett7214]

Can you tell me what to ask for when I call and get this kit I have same issue just got the car today I nee front end needed the replace meant but I need to know if there is a kit name or what to ask for and ty for the info

[@BigJ3RD]

I went through eBay motors for the kit. When I looked on Detroit Axles website they had their parts sold separately.

[@BigJ3RD]

The parts are listed in the video description.

[@LILILILILI0]

How does the warranty work? Amy problem I just send it in?

[@BigJ3RD]

It has been some time since I purchased the kit. You would have to check with Detroit Axle and or seller.

[@williamfoxii2511]

Do you have the lost of parts you ordered, looking to order these for my 2010 Dodge charger

[@BigJ3RD]

Upper control arms, both lower control arms, inner and outer tie rods. Lower Ball joints. Sway bar links. If your car is lowered you might want adjustable upper control arms ( not sold by Detroit axle- SPC sells those )

[@williamfoxii2511]

@@BigJ3RD thank you, my car not lowered though. I appreciate the list

[@williamfoxii2511]

@@BigJ3RD I was looking to order from Rock Auto

[@BigJ3RD]

@@williamfoxii2511 I have never ordered from them. I go to this set because I was in a bind. It would cost $1,100 at my job. But I'm expanding my network of resources along my build.

[@williamfoxii2511]

@@BigJ3RD I normally order my parts from Rock Auto but I'm liking how Detroit Axle web site looks, it's nice and clean and not jumbled. Rock Auto you have to know exactly what you are looking for.

[@kenpagal727]

How is the Detroit axle suspension performing so far? Thanks

[@BigJ3RD]

2 years.

[@kenpagal727]

@@BigJ3RD no issues with any of the parts so far?

[@BigJ3RD]

@@kenpagal727 at the time this is what I could afford. After 2 years I started replacing the parts with better parts. Autozone Duralast limited lifetime warranty parts.

[@kenpagal727]

@@BigJ3RD sounds good. I'll go for better quality parts then. Thank you!

[@andypi6048]

How much was labor to change of that?

[@BigJ3RD]

It's best to get pricing around your way. My shop prices are exclusive. I send a lot of business his way.

[@TheMrdetroit313rd]

How much did the shop charge you for the repairs??

[@BigJ3RD]

$340. Which is probably half of regular shop price. But I send customers weekly and handle orders with his account at my job.

[@TheMrdetroit313rd]

@@BigJ3RD oh okay, Thanks!!

[@lanman5481]

how is the suspension now, after a year,

[@BigJ3RD]

No problem at all. I'll probably do a full update video soon along with the Ebach Pro Kit lowering springs.

[@la-ia1404]

I have changed every single part upfront aside from the bearings and guess what?? The clunk returned.

[@Nik3T3kk]

How long after

[@mustafaalshaheen8042]

What is the costs for the all kit?

[@BigJ3RD]

When I got it it was $170

[@bankrollleo2368]

Is this the same for police package?

[@BigJ3RD]

Should be unless it is 4 wheel drive.

[@bankrollleo2368]

When I hard break I hear something.....just came from the dodge dealership they said everything was good. Could the bushings need lubrication?

[@BigJ3RD]

@@bankrollleo2368 these cars have too much to the suspension. They could have done a better design. I have never seen a mustang or a Camaro need parts like this for the suspension.

[@bradlienichols6415]

Who replaced the parts for you

[@BigJ3RD]

My mechanic Eddie at Midas on Lapalco the Harvey, la location.

[@bradlienichols6415]

@@BigJ3RD o ok im in Baker La

[@seanmarchiny]

where is this kit available at?

[@BigJ3RD]

Ebay

[@JayJay0880]

I found a 16-piece kit on Ebay from Detroit Axle, but not a 20-piece kit. Same kit?

[@BigJ3RD]

@@JayJay0880 I checked back . It seems that they have changed up a bit . They are offering slightly different kits depending on what probably sells more.

[@JayJay0880]

Big J-3RD thanks for the quick reply. Is it easy to tell what’s missing from the new 16 piece kit as compared to your 20 piece? Just like you, I want EVERYTHING replaced. I’m even tempted to replace the steering knuckles.

[@BigJ3RD]

@@JayJay0880 Now that is a difficult one to find aftermarket. Maybe Mopar parts online.

[@cannednolan8194]

Wow $200 I did just the upper control arms and that was $380cdn.

[@203232crash]

I just got all my parts in the mail today doing my entire suspension in my 08 charger tomorrow.

[@JulezJadore2012]

So that random clunking noise when you turn sharp to the right and give it some gas but only randomly 🤣

[@BigJ3RD]

A few more parts even come to play your rack and pinion could be bad. It's so many parts I don't even know why Mopar designed it like this. Correction I do know why. They know you going to fall in love with your car It might be paid for already but when it comes time to fix it.....

[@JulezJadore2012]

@@BigJ3RD big facts mopar suckered me in to a money pit because I love my charger 🤣

[@dkrawk8309]

Lmao. If You are experiencing a front end clunk in your charger /300 ect SELL IT ASAP!!!! Before You will have to sell your soul

[@ourfatherswar3464]

My tension strut just went bad lol ima replace both Iguess bushings ain’t shit lol 57k miles

[@bodeen4031]

Over-engineered and vulnerable...ridiculous design. I know nothing about engineering by the way lo, but i hear things.

[@bodeen4031]

I lack in punctuation as well

[@BigJ3RD]

Yes they could have done better in designing this. Daimler Chrysler really got all of us. They knew how to make money on the back end of a popular car.

[@gabrielmendez49]

How long that last you i herd they are trash detroit and i can get all those pieces in moog 400

[@BigJ3RD]

No problem at all. My car came from New Jersey - most of my front suspension had worm bushings and a lot of rust. I was in a bind having to replace all at once. If anything doesn't last I'll replace them from my job with lifetime warranty parts. But like I said no problems over here. Next step is lowering springs.

[@robwells5753]

Easy solution buy Toyota just not a Rav4

[@BigJ3RD]

Thank you for watching.

[@BigJ3RD]

Thanks for watching.