I bought a 1983 Firebird SE back in July. I’ve been trying to track down a front end clunk ever since I bought it. I started by replacing every steering component. Inner and outer tie rods, center link and idler arm. Didn’t solve it. Then I read that frame rails can crack at the steering box. Sure enough, it was. Welded it back together and installed a wonder bar, solved one of the clunks, but still had one from the front right occasionally. Realized I never checked the ball joints, so checked them and sure enough, they had play. Replaced them both, still clunks on occasion from the front end. Normally happens when I’m backing out of the driveway while turning. Not super loud, but noticeable.


then today I had to brake hard, and there was a clunk from the middle ish area of the car.

just wondering what people’s thoughts are on either of the sounds. Thanks

 

I had a very similar clunk that I would have described the same to yours, and it was my right front ball joint. When I replaced them it went away. Obviously you've already done that, my next thoughts are maybe transmission mount, or torque arm mount (See if the rubber is cracked and its moving around enough to clunk ) - or exhaust hanger broken?

 

Bad strut mounts can cause a clunk too, the rubber deteriorates and allows play. See how the old one is off center and the new one is on center, it's worth a look if ya haven't already

 

Great point - I had already done my shocks so I knew those were good - definitely something the OP should check out

 

sounds good I’ll give that a shot.

 

Low speed clunks with high steering angles is normal for a 3rd gen. It's a result from the factory messing up the ackerman angle.
MY 92 RS had a slight clunk at high steering angles when it was 100% stock and not maintained.
And it also has that same clunk fully modified. I have about $4,000 worth of steering components and that slight clunk is always gonna be there. Maybe Detroit Speed will finally release those Billet spindles that fix the geometry.

 

when you say low speed, how low of speeds are you talking about?

 

I'm talking parking lots speeds so sub 7mph or so.
there's an old dealer service bulletin about it.
It's why GM made that later alignments all wacky.
Ppl were complaining about weird steering behavior at low speeds.
So that's why the OEM alignment called for positive camber and no toe.

Steering clunks at higher speeds are probably something else. Like bad balljoints or tie rods.