well, im not very familiar with the steering setup on my 1985 gsl (recirculating ball?) but sometimes if i drive in a circle to the left or on some turns, a second or two after i turn the wheel back it makes a thunk noise, is this problem in my steering box or elsewhere, anyone else had this problem? there was also some damage to the drivers side wheel when i got the car, as it was pushed back about an inch more than usual, i had that fixed but i didnt notice the noise until after, could it have anything to do with the adjustment (front to back) of the wheel, any help is appreciated

 

Maybe a ball joint? What all was done when the wheel was moved back?

 

I've had 3 clunking noises from my car... 2 in the front and 1 in the back. Each time it's turned out to be where the stablizer bar attaches to the suspension. The bolt/rod that attaches the bar breaks. If it happens worse on bumps while turning I'd put money on those.

 

It does sound like the Sway Bar End Linkage.

I have to replace them on mine this weekend.

Just make sure you replace them both.

the easyest way to check is to lift up the front end (not by the wheel) and when the wheel drops the brken linkage will seperate appart.

 

mine makes a thunk when i press the brake, any ideas?

 

I'd check the idler arm for excessive play also.

 

nothing is completely broken its just a small thud or thunk noise from the front end and ive never heard it going over bumps, just occasionally when i straighten out my wheel. its weird, it only happens sometimes and you know problems like this never show themselves when youre trying to find them lol

 

Something to ponder is that on our cars (1G in general), the front suspension struts must turn with the wheels which includes spring perches and mount, but not the upper spring mount. The effect of this is that your springs must 'wind up' when you turn right and left, and if there is any grit or rust on your springs and/or perches, this can lead to some 'stiction' between the spring and perch. You get a 'bang' when the spring reseats.

When you turn, the spring winds up and sticks. When you recenter the steering wheel, the springs jump back to their 'at-rest' position, making the sound that you describe. This is pretty normal, and not really something that's easy to fix unless you grease your springs where they contact the perch. This will allow the spring to reseat much more quietly, but it's still going to happen. The only true 'fix' is to install a coil-over shock/spring combo where the whole mechanism turns with the wheels, including the upper spring mounts.

 

Sorry, but I have to disagree with you on that one. The upper mount has a bearing in it. If the strut is assembled properly, the top mount that bolts through the strut tower will rotate. Check your FSM, it also calls for it to be lubed when put together. I just did a set and didn't pay attention as to how it came apart and had to read up on it. If the coil is binding on turns and then releasing, its is, 1. not assembled properly, 2. needs lubed or both. The strut top also has to be able to rotate to set caster and camber, just did that tonite.

 

On second thought, you're right. The upper spring perch has the thrust washers that suspend it below the body, so they should be free to turn with the lower strut (and lower spring perch).

Another thread was talking about front suspension and brought up the replacement of Idler Arm bushings (x2) - the original poster should check these as they are located very close to the exhaust system which tends to bake the rubber and grease. This could cause a clunking on turning in the front end.

Thanks for the correction,

 

Noise? Beer Cans Under seat LOL!!! Couldnt resist