Weird clunking noise when turning

[spooled240]

My s14 has had this clunking noise everytime i turn sharply or even turning the steering wheel at a standstill when backing into a parking spot or whatever. I checked for wheel play, and there was none. Just recently I changed out my tie rod ends and tension rod bushings, and the wheel bearings are new. I am guessing it might have something to do with the struts or the steering rack. It seems like a "popping" noise at times and it sounds like it's getting louder. Power steering fluid is full also. Anybody know what this could be? thnx

[primer240sx]

could be your front control arm bushings wearing out and it might also be your front tie rod bushings wearing out. i had the same problem and that was how i resolved it. look under ur wheels.

[GIJOE69]

where is the noise coming from? front or rear? well maybe you need rear sub frame collars (spacers)..I had that problem in my S14 too.......I changed out the TC rod to ES poly urethane and steering rack bushing as well....

[positron1]

Scroll halfway down the page and read the section on top bearing mounts, this was the solution when I had this exact problem. http://www.pdm-racing.com/products/suspension.html I didn't get these, I got camber plates but they are replacements for the same part.

[spooled240]

those are pretty expensive at 91 each. Courtesyparts has the OEM ones for 60 each. I want to make sure that these bearings are the problem..I think I will pop the hood and have someone steer the wheels left and right to see if the bearings pop.

The only other thing I can think of is the steering rack, but I don't know if it would make a "popping" noise.

thx for the help

[coupe240sxguy]

When was the last time u took out your strut mounts... possibly it but also anything with steering/ suspension could be the fault

[spooled240]

I took them out a few months ago to install some lowering springs but I had the clunking noise before that I just had no idea it could be the strut bearings.

I just recently changed the TC rod bushings, tie rod bushings and installed new wheel bearings for the 5 lug swap but the clunking still happens when I turn. So I'm guessing there's only two more things that it could be coming from, the strut bearings and/or the steering rack. I'm really leaning on bad bearings being the problem, I will try and check them..

[spooled240]

Ok i'm sorta confused..I just called my local nissan dealership and they priced some strut bearings for me. He said they are 16.47 or something each. Then he said the INSULATOR was 63.XX each.. this is where i'm lost, do I only need the bearing? Can I keep my old insulator? (he said it's that mounting bracket thingy with 3 bolts)

I forgot how my strut came apart but looking at this illustration, I don't even see a bearing that is 16 bucks. I see the insulator though (#54320)

heres the link:

http://www.courtesyparts.com/b....html

[positron1]

[spooled240]

i'm thinking about going to the dealership tomorrow and seeing wtf he is talking about

[spooled240]

WOW so the problem was loose cross member bolts, they weren't ridiculously loose but loose enough for a little bit of play. I removed the cross member like a year and a half ago when i dropped my pan for the oil drain, but apparently they were not tightened as much as they should of.

So we tightened them down and I took it for a spin, NO CLUNKING! I was about to spend 130 on new bearings too

So, if your car clunks like mine did, check your cross member bolts before buying replacement parts