98 GP front end

I am posting because cars are not my niche. My wifes GP is making a clunking sound from the front end. It does it when taking off from a stop and occasionally going around corners. You can feel it in the floor boards. car has 100K on it. axles and balljoints were done at 85k.

Also, when should struts get replaced???

If you have 100K on the car the struts are probably in need of replacement. The strut mount is probably worn and needs replacement which is probably what is causing the noise. Also check the sway bar on the front. It could have broken and is causing the noise.

Double check if there are any outstanding recalls that weren't done. There IS a recall for some 98 GPs for a clunk that comes from the steering column.

Another common source of klunking is the STRUT BEARINGS. These aren't changed when you get new struts unless a) you ask, or b) someone checks them and realizes they need to be changed. My 98 got new struts in the fall, and one of the strut bearings was literally cracked in two.

My '97 I had did the clunking thing...I'm not sure if the recall on the lower steering bearing on the rack & pinion was for the '98s too, but it seems like it might have been. I felt my clunk when turning right, at various points in the turn radius, but usually closer to the end when turning right. The steering wheel would sort of bounce at that point, then continue the turn. After the recalled rack & pinion was replaced, I didn't have any more troubles.