I've had a clunk from the front end that occurs just as your stopping that I've been trying to figure out. It's NOT the typical brake pad clunk in the calipers - this noise is different. Sounds more solid.

With all the posts I read about 3 gen's having a problem with the steering box breaking loose from the frame rail, I'm beginning to wonder if mine has cracked and what I'm hearing is the steering box & frame flexing and popping?

I only hear it just before I come to a complete stop and it occurs most but not all of the time. Never heard (or at least noticed it!) while turning either.

Giff

91 Formula, 305 TPI, 5 speed, 35k garage kept miles

 

i dont think it would be the steering box because that usually occurs during low speed turning situations i think.

sounds more like maybe the sway endlinks, a ball joint maybe, or maybe a strut tower mount being wore down.

just some guesses.

 

I dont think it would be steering either.

Sounds to me like torque arm bushing, or some bushing somewhere gone out.

 

In trying to fix this issue I'll probably start with the end links on the sway bars and sway bar bushings.

Looks like I can get end links w/poly bushings for both front and rear sway bars for around $50 total. Besides maybe fixing this annoying clunk - anyone got any feed back on this mod? Noticable diff?

Just put on a steering brace off an Iroc and can feel slight diff in steering response.

Giff

 

I'm hearing a clunk in my steering too. It usually occurs when I'm turning the wheel as I back out of my driveway or when I'm turning into a parking spot. I've been under the car several times and I don't see any cracks. My car is pretty clean for a daily driver. You guys have any ideas? Maybe we've got the same problem.

 

I've had some creaks and clunks since I bebuilt the front-end of my car a year ago, mostly while turning at low speed and going over speed bumps. The KYB shocks I used didn't have the same locator on the upper mounting nut as the original and that could be a source. I think I overtightened the lower control arm bushings since the factory uses all-metal locknuts that read proper torque ONCE, not to be torqued to 70lbs a second time. I am going to address this by Christmas and will post results.

 

Im having the same problem when my car its just sitting there and as I turn the wheel to the right.. the noise sounds solid and harsh. My steering is horrible too. I mean if I turn the wheel a lil bit the car still goes straight, is it best just to take it all out and rebiuld it? and replace all bushings and inspect the struts and arms?

 

The only things I haven't replaced are the control arm bushings and the upper strut mounts. I also think I need to try adjusting the steering box.

 

I've had a clunk when changing from forwards to revers and back. Having a manual tranny I only noticed it when I hit the brakes just after changing directions. For me it turned out to be a combination of the O-rings that go around the brake caliper pins and loose tabs on the outer brake pad.

 

check the inner and outter tie rod ends. my outter tie rods are shot and making a popping noise when turning at low speed sometimes.

 

THANKS G money

 

Ok, what else have we got out there for suggestions?

My exact problem.

I had a PST Polygraphite kit sitting around for about 6 months, finally got it in. I had this noise before and I still have it.

No cracks near the steering box.

So, basically, what I've done that hasn't resolved the problem, just to address some of the suggestions presented:

* Control arm bushings
* Ball joints
* Tie rod ends (outer from PST, inner and sleevs from AutoZone, brand: "Perfect Circle")
* Disc brakes & hardware replaced (pins, clips, pads; calipers still what came on the car)
* Sway bar endlinks

 

My next step was to replace the strut mounts and that didn't solve my problem. So far I've replaced the tie rods, strut mounts, and ball joints. I don't want to waste money on a new relay rod or pitman arm if I don't need them, but I'm not sure what else to do. I haven't had the steering box checked, but I'm cautious about doing that too because I imagine it will be expensive or time consuming if I do it myself.

 

hmmm... anyone figure this out yet? I sitll have the problem and there's nothing left for replace.