Loud clunking escort

Antiroll bat bushes? or tie rod bushes.

Loud clunking noise is more likely to be the bottom wishbone bushes (very common problem on escorts).

Anti roll bar bushes tend to make a more rattly bumpy kind of sound.

I would agree with you on that one; but there are a number of other possibilities out there. I'd get it looked over by a competant garage. Wishbones can be had fitted for £60 non-oem, OEM nearer £120.

Also, get the garage, if it *is* the wishbones afterall that are the problem, to ALSO replace the bolts that hold the wishbones in place. The threads wear away, so just replacing the wishbones wont cure the problem for a long time.

Could just get some new OEM bushes fitted instead.

Eh? The bush should never move on the bolt. If the bush has been moving on the bolt, then the bolts not been tight enough.

When I bought an X-reg escort a while ago, as a cheapo-ish first car for someone, it had this problem, wishbones replaced, then for MOT it was advised that the bolts should be replaced, as the cheap place I had the wishies done at hadn't replaced the bolts.

A search of a few ford-based forums confirmed bolt-replacement is advised with the wishbone replacement, so I don't suspect it's just a random recommendation, but your point is of course taken.

You're not thinking of the bottom ball joint pinch bolt by chance? That should always be replaced if there is any doubt about it's condition.

But despite having changed far more escort wishbone bushes than I care to think about, I've never replaced the two main retaining bolts. However, if you want to talk about fiestas wishbones, that's a hole different thing....

"Moray Cuthill cuthill_at_v21.me.uk>" You're not thinking of the bottom ball joint pinch bolt by chance?

Good point - my memory is perhaps failing me... I just recall a guy who owns ramps that I know pointing at them, and us changing them.