a new problem just surfaced with my car this afternoon. basically, when i'm making a left turn there's a REALLY loud clunk that comes from the front end and it is stiff to steer, but when i turn right there is no noise and is really easy to steer. also when i'm driving my car pulls to the right a significant amount. anyone have any ideas? thanks.

 

Time for a front end inspection. A lot of places around here give free inspections (Sears, but don't know if you have them), so I'd start calling places and find one. Let them diagnose, then if you are feeling up to it you can take the car home and do the work yourself.

But anyway, could be:

Ball joints
Tie rod ends
Idler arm
Pitman arm
Bearing at the top of the strut
Worn bushings
Bad alignement

See why I suggest having someone else do the diagnosis?

 

just do what i did, buy all new parts for the whole front end. that will eliminate that issue

 

maybe check your idler arm - bolted to the inside right frame rail. Grab w your hand and if you can move it around then the rubber fittings are shot. There are 2 (upper, lower) and can be bought separately, or buy the whole arm. Easy swap either way...
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Or it could be a wrench you dropped in the engine bay.

 

it is control arm bushings, tie rods and ball joints. they all are old and need replaced. Parts can be had for around $200

 

All great suggestions, unless you have $$$ burning in your pocket...



MY 1st guess would be the idler arm and if you replaced one, I would do both

 

My last clunking front end issue was the idler arm. Bushings are about $10 or you can get the moog upgrade at rockauto for about $70 shipped. But yeah, you need to jack that front end up and verify what's loose.