Clunking sounds from right front

[blebs]

I have a 96 Sunfire driving me nuts. I have this clunking sound, which seems to happen any time the control arm is forced upwards a tiny bit. It also occurs on starts and stops, but is much more noticeable when you go over a rough spot on a road surface. Took it in to have it looked at, thinking it was the engine cradle, but all they could find wrong were wheel bearing hubs. Replaced those, but the problem continues. It has a new/reman steering gear, new wheel bearing hubs.

I'm thinking it's the control arm bushings. Whatever it is is torque and sudden pitch in road changes. I'm not feeling it in the steering wheel at all, the car doesn't pull one way or the other. I'm baffled at this point. It's getting worse and wanted to make sure it wasn't a safety issue, which they assure me it isn't.

Anyone have the same problem or have any suggestions? I really don't want to take it to another shop since darn few of them around me can be trusted, but when you take something to one that you do trust and they can't find anything wrong other then the wheel bearing hubs, what would you suggest?

 

[melsg5]

do you have the original struts? it sounds like the upper bushing on the strut is worn

 

[blebs]

The mount appears solid as a rock. This sound is coming from near the firewall, which is what leads me to believe it's the control arm bushing(s). Right now, it's just an aggravation, but it is getting worse. I'm sure something else could conceiveably telegraph the sound through the control arm, but honestly, I'm guessing at this point. Guessing and money isn't an option. I'm ready to say screw it, put new control arms, stab links and tie rod ends on it and see if it still persists.

I'm just a little upset that after spending nearly $400 thus far, being that I used to be able to do all this stuff myself, but cannot do it anymore, it's really bugging me.

As to whether or not they are the original struts and bearings, I have no idea. I would have to think that they've been replaced at some point in time, but God only knows. It's got 128,000 miles on it and quite a history through carfax. I think it was a rental vehicle before I bought it.

 

[Ctrain422]

this happened to me in my 04 vibe, it turned out to be the struts were toast, both of them at 250k. find a junk yard close to you and maybe you can pull of a strut to try

______________________________

 

[blebs]

I'm thinking whether I like it or not, I'll have to take it to yet another shop and let them have a look. Honestly, it sounds like either control arm bushings or a ball joint that is frozen and being forced free. It's just plain weird.

I've bounced the heck out of the strut and can't get it to do it. No rebounding to speak of, no oil leaks, the top strut bearings actually look pretty new. Yeah I know, looks can be deceiving. Thanks for the replies thus far.

I'm bummed out because I can't do the work myself anymore. Disability sucks and so does the pay.

 

[melsg5]

have you check the front sway bar bushings where they attach to the sub frame?

 

[blebs]

have you check the front sway bar bushings where they attach to the sub frame?

Personally no. I would hope the guys at the shop did.They love to find things wrong to fix and make a killing at $70 and hour plus parts. I think I'm going to have to have one of my sons come up and jack this up so we can look at it, check the bushings ourselves etc.The thought crossed my mind that either those sway bar bushings are bad or the subframe is rusted enough that perhaps the bushing retainer is broken free of it. The stab links are intact. That much I can see from kneeling down.