|
|
1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
|
|
| |
|
|
malibuster
Novice
Aug 8, 2006, 6:16 PM
Post #1 of 10
(3190 views)
|
|
1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
I have had this clunking noise in the front end mainly when I turn the wheel while moving. This noise is very loud and noticable outside the car as well as inside the car. I took it to a trusted mechanic back in June. He replaced the wheel bearings, half shaft (drivers side), struts, control arms w/ bushings, and one bad motor mount. Luckily he pulled all the new parts out when it didn't solve the problem and only charged me for an hour of service after having the car for 2 days. I had the front struts and springs and tie-rod ends replaced about two years ago for different reasons. I also noticed when the clunk happens when I turn right the drivers side brakes start to squeak as if the were worn down to the indicators. I just replaced the pads and rotors about 3 months ago. Please help me if you have any suggestions. Thanks
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 9, 2006, 8:23 AM
Post #2 of 10
(3187 views)
|
|
Re: 1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
I'd guess a strut problem even if they are newer. bounce the car sitting still and see how they behave, T
|
|
| |
|
|
malibuster
Novice
Aug 9, 2006, 8:52 AM
Post #3 of 10
(3185 views)
|
|
Re: 1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
I tried bouncing the car, but no noise. The mechanic said the only time he could get the car to make the noise was when he was driving it. The noise cannot be duplicated while the car is sitting still. Is it a possibility that the noise is from the rack and pinion?
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 9, 2006, 2:15 PM
Post #4 of 10
(3183 views)
|
|
Re: 1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
Try jacking up just one front wheel and rock it and there will be some play but shouldn't make noise. Don't confuse the possible movement in the steering wheel against its lock, T
|
|
| |
|
|
malibuster
Novice
Aug 9, 2006, 7:29 PM
Post #5 of 10
(3177 views)
|
|
Re: 1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
So, I should jack up one side and push down on the side that is on the ground? What am I looking for there?
I'll try that tomorrow night and I will post back.
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 10, 2006, 10:53 AM
Post #6 of 10
(3175 views)
|
|
Re: 1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
OOps: Not clear enough with what I suggested. I really meant to rock the wheel in the air for motion and noise, sorry, T
|
|
| |
|
|
malibuster
Novice
Aug 10, 2006, 1:26 PM
Post #7 of 10
(3172 views)
|
|
Re: 1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
Oh I see, no problem. I'll give it a try and let you know
|
|
| |
|
|
malibuster
Novice
Aug 12, 2006, 8:48 AM
Post #8 of 10
(3163 views)
|
|
Re: 1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
I had my dad take a look at it last night and we noticed a slight clunk when I jerk the wheel back and forth. He grabbed the tie while I did this and he said the tie rod would vibrate during that slight clunk. Where do I go from here?
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 12, 2006, 9:50 AM
Post #9 of 10
(3162 views)
|
|
Re: 1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
There should be NO freeplay in the tie rods!! Or ball joints. They can be bad without symtoms but they have to go if any freeplay is noticed. They can twist but no lateral motion. If the clunk was just the steering wheel against the lock that may not be the problem and it help to have someone jockey the tire around in the air and look at the joints. The inner tie rod is out of sight.
At least by me the alignment shops that specialize will replace a bad part and you get the needed alignment at one stop. Some of the tools to replace the parts will cost more than just letting the shop do it.
It is a safety issue so I wouldn't wait, T
|
|
| |
|
|
malibuster
Novice
Aug 12, 2006, 11:03 AM
Post #10 of 10
(3160 views)
|
|
Re: 1998 Chevy Malibu front "clunk" noise (96,000 miles)
|
Sign In
|
|
Thanks Tom, I'll take it in next week.
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
2011 Dodge Nitro OBD scanner seems to drain battery in 10-20 minutes
Grounding Cable, 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
equipment
Howdy
