Clunking suspension

[99STM]

I have a clunk in my front suspension somewhere. When I hit a bump/hole, it clunks. Not sure if it's relevant but, when the car is stopped and I just wiggle the wheel back and forth, I can hear a clunk as well. I'd prefer to not drive it to Omaha so, if we could diagnose this here, that'd be greaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttt.

I'm just assuming it's my ball joints but, I don't know much about this stuff.

[solomrus]

could be strut, lower ball joint, tie rod end, wheel bearing, control arm bushing... lots of things.

need to isolate it.

you stating that you can re-create the clunk by grabbing the tire and wiggling it tells me it's probably a bearing.

jack front of car up and start wiggling stuff.

--r

[99STM]

I meant I can wiggle the steering wheel back and forth and it clunks. It's not as loud as it is as going over a bump but you can definately hear it.

[solomrus]

check the column bolts under the trim and back up under the dash, check the base bushing down by your feet.

--r

[99STM]

Will do. Thanks, Russ.

[99STM]

Bump.

Is there any way to tell if struts are blown by pulling my wheel off and looking at them? If so, what are some indications?

Thanks again

[solomrus]

yes.

if it's real bad, it will have puked all it's oil out. it will be wet, and covered with dirt and sand.

if it's blown but a long time ago, it will be dry, but probably wobbly and trashed.

--r

[99STM]

Took a peek at my struts, they're all covered in oil, sand, and dirt.

Thanks, Russ.

[solomrus]

just say no to kyb agx's. they are too harsh.

--r

[omahasubaru]

just say no to kyb agx's. they are too harsh.

--r

+onemillion

[TruRu]

Hey I liked mine!  But it's all I had ever known at the time.

[99STM]

I'm just gonna do stock struts with lowering springs for now. Even that won't come for another few weeks or so, though.