strange noise

It is very hard to describe noises in words. While at low speeds (under 25) if you go over small bumps, even cracks in the road, you hear a cross between a pop and a clunk. I mostly notice i rolling up to a red light. It is kind of low but it is definitely coming from the front end. I jacked up the car and started checking around. I found the passenger side wheel would clunk when you tried to move it in and out from top to bottom and also left to right. The passenger side didn't. Also over the summer a squeak developed on the passenger side that went away with pressing on the break. I decided it was a wheal bearing. Today i replaced the wheal bearing and hub assembly. The squeak is gone and the clunk when the wheel is moved in and out from top to bottom. I figured i found the problem so i took it out for a ride. However the noise continued. The wheel still clunks when i move it in and out from left to right with the car jacked up. The tie rod ends have maybe 10k on them and i don't notice movement there. I thought maybe it was struts so i pushed up and down on the car but i don't hear the noise and the car levels out quickly, also the shocks show no signs of leaking.

This is all on my 2000 Montana EXT.

Just to clear something up. When i say "the wheel still clunks when i move it in and out from left to right" I mean that when the car is off the ground if you grab the wheel with both hands and push in on the left side and pull out on the right, and then go the other way. Back and forth like that rather quickly.

check the The tie rod ends,check the steering rack then have a helper move the steering wheel back and forth lightly and slowly (with the motor off & weight on and off of the front end) and watch and listen to all steering movement points. this should give you a good look at what is the problem is.

problem is?

Do these vans have replaceable inner tie rod ends or does the whole steering mechanism need to be replaced? It looks like the outer tie rod ends are moving with the steering knuckle i cant feel play between them. The clunking seems to be coming from farther in. Not sure if there is anything replaceable in there and taking the whole thing out looks like a really big project.

Do these vans have replaceable inner tie rod ends or does the whole steering mechanism need to be replaced? It looks like the outer tie rod ends are moving with the steering knuckle i cant feel play between them. The clunking seems to be coming from farther in. Not sure if there is anything replaceable in there and taking the whole thing out looks like a really big project.
Yes, the inner tie rods are replaceable. In fact I have noticed the tie rods fail on these vans quite a bit . In both of my vans I had to replace the tie rods, and in one of them It had to be done twice. I think the steering /suspension systems on these vans could have been for lack of a better term , "beefier" as they seem too weak or poorly designed. If you go to www.rockauto.com and look under your vehicle, you can see what is available for your van, many times with corresponding pictures.

Look at that they are available. Since you have done them can you tell me how they are replaced. They don't look like your typical inner tie rod end. At least not the kind i am used to. The repair manual doesn't cover this part which is part of why i thought they weren't replaceable.

Regarding the life expectancy of tie rod ends on these vans. I replaced the outers twice. They lasted about 50k each time. The first time i bought they i bought MOOG's and kept the receipt. Second time they replaced them for free.