Clunking from steering

[FrOsTyShO]

I have a clunking/popping noise from the front end. I suspect it is the steering because it seems to only happen when i turn the wheel. It happens whether im moving or stopped. I only get about 1 or 2 clunks/pops when the wheel turns some of the time. Also i have noticed that when i hit bumps the shifter moves a lot. (mtx). It not just a little vibration or anything like that, but it really moves going over bumps. It is a SHOrt shifter if that makes any difference. I think im gonna order new aluminum sfb's soon, those are probably part of the problem. TIA

 

[PROPHET]

Lift the car on stands, remove the wheels and check the bolts are they lose on the sway bar links and the outer tie rods and check how the bushings are holding up, are they ripped or low on grease.

www.shotimes.com has some good write-ups on this under maintenance scroll down to steering and suspension.

 

[S_Mazza]

Yeah, it sounds like there is some major movement going on up front if your shifter is moving. It sounds like you may have worn subframe bushings and/or loose bolts and/or damaged mounting points.

Prophet suggested some things to check. I think it could also be related to ball joints.

 

[DemonNeno]

While you're checking those subframe bushings, give the motor mounts a quick torque test and check to see if your motor is pogoin' under your hood. Sounds like it's a mounting problem since it impacts the shifter. You might as well jack it up and check the front end parts. This is crucial to do after a possible loose subframe mount or broken motor mount, as a lot of load and tweak is then planted to your suspension and steering parts, counterweighting the "looseness" so to say. g/l!

 

[COliveira95]

Subframe bushings, and or motor mounts. Check the mounts (pop hood, engage e-brake, put a torque on the motor slightly while in gear and see how far the motor moves; same for reverse), and take a look at your bushings.