Clunking noise in front drivers side suspension of 97 grand am

roperstan · 10-22-2006, 11:51 PM

Please help, I have a 97 Grand Am with a bad clunking noise coming from driver's side front suspension, i have replaced strut and lower ball joint, noise still there. After reading some posts, i think it's a control arm bushing. My questions are: can i replace the bushings without removing the control arm, can i just remove the two inner bolts without touching the tire and hub assembly? Also, my ETS and Check Engine lights are also on, I see a lot of posts about this issue too, has anyone resolved this issue without going to a dealer for work? Thanks for any help.

xeroinfinity · 10-23-2006, 09:13 AM

Does the clunking happen when you hit bumps driving or when you turn the steering wheel back and forth ?

The reason I asked was if it does it when you are turning the wheel, its possible its your lower tie rod.
If it does it while driving and hits bumps, then I would think its the control arm bushings.

Dont think you can remove those bushings without disassembly of part of the suspension.

Heres a link with the low down.
Lower Control Arm/Suspension

On the ETS and Check Engine lights , you will need to get it scanned with an ABS capable scanner then post the codes.
We can most likly tell you what it is.
Though I'd suspect its your wheel speed sensor, but you wont know which one untill you read the DTC thats stored.

boug0752 · 10-23-2006, 11:59 AM

I would agree with xero on this one. The scanner will tell you exactly what the issue is but it is very common for ABS sensors to go.

Vipey1337 · 10-23-2006, 03:07 PM

you can hear my struts and springs making noise because they didn't put the rubber from my old springs on my new springs... they said that if the noise doesnt go away by January to come back and get those put on, but they also said it takes time for everything to settle in...

Your situation is probably a lot different tho

So I will shut up

Cadinrfv · 10-23-2006, 05:45 PM

I had a similar problem on the passenger side. As it turns out, a spacer was missing in the strutmount. It clunked starting, stopping & braking.

Might want to check that

roperstan · 10-23-2006, 08:44 PM

Thanks for all the help, it only happens when I go over bumps, doesn't matter slow or fast. Also, I can feel it in the floorboards. I have checked the strut, all the components are where they're supposed to be. Thanks again.

xeroinfinity · 10-23-2006, 09:09 PM

As with any and all noises its hard to tell with out hearing it one's self.
Since you say its toward the floor board, it Could be the suspension support is loose, or your lower control arm bushings are shot.

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