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I have an 88 IROC and it has developed a loud knock noise that occurs usually when I go over a bump while turning. It is coming from the drivers front side wheel and today I lifted the car on jackstands to try and figure out the cause. It is supported by the torque boxes so the wheels were hanging free and off the ground. I grabbed the wheel at 3 and 9 oclock and shook it left to right. As soon as I did, I felt and heard a loud knock and said wheel dropped by about an inch. I have attached a photo of how it now sits. The car drives straight and the inside of both front tires wore out within a couple thousand miles. I am aware it needs an alignment but that is for when it gets back on the road. Any ideas what to check?
Thats the thing, now that the wheel dropped down it doesnt move around or replicate symptoms outside a bit of play that occurs with both wheels and I can watch the steering wheel move in kind
Put your floor jack under the control arm and lift the wheel enough to get a 2x4 under the tire. Use that as a lever to pry the tire upwards while watching the ball joint (or have your assistant pry while you watch). If it moves, you need new ones.
Probably as others have suggested likely a ball joint or strut mount bearing. Also check sway bar bushings and end links and look for other loose components when you are under there
Thank you everyone, I put a jack under the lower control arm and lifted the wheel up again and took the caps off the strut mounts so I could see the bolt. Turns out it was quite loose and was backed off about half an inch. I tightened it up and now should hopefully be able to road test it when I get new tires as I now cannot replicate the issues after removing the jack.
