2002 Sudden suspension problems

[Frankie the Fink]

So coming home from dinner an hour ago in my 30,000 mile 2002 TBird and I'm 300 yards from home and the car starts acting like its got a flat tire. Every tire revolution feels like I'm running over a tree branch. Nurse it home and NO flat tire - all the tires are right on with tire pressure. Steering still works but something is definitely screwed up.

Haven't crawled under it yet but I can't imagine what's happened, broken strut rod ? "A" arm ?

 

[Icewine]

Could be something as simple as having lost a balancing weight off a wheel.

 

[Pete Higgins]

Hard to tell from the information you provided, but it sounds like something happened all at once giving the rough ride. I would suggest jacking up the right side and wiggling the front wheel. If you can’t get movement, try putting a crowbar or 2X4 to get leverage and see if you can detect play. Could be a loose wheel, wheel bearing, tie rod end or shot UCA or LCA bushing. Obviously, if you don’t find anything, repeat the process on the left side. Good luck.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

Well dang, I got off easy for once (sort of). I could not see this thing in the dark garage last night....some sort of insulator with a big bolt through it; took a big patch. No wonder it felt like I was off-roading.
Really lucky I was so close to home!