Static Clunk?

[mlatten]

Where is my 2 year old front end clunk coming from? I only hear it at a stand still, while shaking the steering wheel back and forth.

New: (within 6 months or so)
-Outer tie rod ends - inners show no signs of wear
-LCAs
-Endlinks
-Radius arm bushings (both ends)
-ALSFBs
-Struts, coils, mounts, bearings, insulators
-Preparing to change sway bar bushings

You can visibly see the tire recoil when the clunk is heard, and you feel it in the floor, too. I've triple checked EVERY bolt under the hood.
I'm not very familiar with the steering column knuckle-to-rack set up, though.

I'm lost...still.
Thanks,
Matt

 

[fubar]

I think this is something I've been looking at.I've noticed that after I hit the brakes to at least a medium level the steering wheel will displace up or down a small amount. I've had someone look under the hood after stopping while holding the brake and watching the steering rack/subframe. What was noticed is the steering racking is moving a small amount in such a way as to apply force along the steering shaft. I'm wondering if this is an issue with the rubber mounts for the rack? Also, what causes the rack to be displaced when stopping?

On mine I notice this is more noticeable when I apply the brakes going downhill.

 

[JustinSane]

The rack is mounted to the rear of the subframe, if your subfram is moving , kicking up or down the rack moves with it.

 

[93rev2sev]

If your wheel bearing are toast....

 

[mlatten]

I was under the impression that the rack is mounted metal-to-metal; that is, without rubber bushings holding it on.

Whatever it is, I think I failed my safety inspection because of it, because the guy said I have bad lower control arms - but they're practically new.

I realize now, that I can feel the clunk while the car is rolling, but not while going fast, if I shimmy the wheel back and forth. Could this be signs of a bad rack (I think it's a VAPS rack, but I've never had any power assist in the wheel (it's always been really tough to turn)).

Thanks for all the input, keep it coming!
Matt

 

[fubar]

JS , you're correct . I went and watched the SF while a helper moved the steering wheel back & forth with the engine running and HOLEEMOLEE! there's significant movement at the SFB ! The bushing looks intact but there's just too much movement and that's only by moving the wheels. I can imagine the movement while turning into a corner at speed. I'm thinking aluminum bushings real soon !

The rack is mounted to the rear of the subframe, if your subfram is moving , kicking up or down the rack moves with it.