sunfire clunk

I just bought a 2002 sunfire SES and occasionally I hear a "clunking" noise from under the hood, close to the base of the windshield. What could this be?
As well, there is a light which comes on the dash when the parking break is "ON" which reads "trac off", what does that mean?

When do you hear the clunking noise? Turning? Driving straight? It could be you strut bearings. They are fairly common on those cars.
The "Trac off" light means that the traction control is off beacause the parking brake is set.

Thank you for the explanation of trac.
The clunking is when i'm turning as well as at times, just driving straight, it sounds like it is up high , just under the hood, not so much where the struts would be.:wink:

Strut bearings are fairly common on Sunfires and Cavaliers. you may want to have them checked anyway. The strut bearings are on the top of the strut where it mounts to the chassis, which is closer to the hood.
Since you are hearing this noise at times other than turning it could also be worn stabilizer links. New link kits are not normally too expensive if that is what the problem is.

You have been extremely helpful.

Thank you for your responses.

Thank you for the explanation of trac.
The clunking is when i'm turning as well as at times, just driving straight, it sounds like it is up high , just under the hood, not so much where the struts would be.:wink: It could also be the intermediate steering shaft as this is common on these cars also . I had mine replaced .2000 Sunfire. I would notice it while moving slowly ,like backing out of the driveway or moving around in a parking lot. just my:2cents:

That sounds like a strut bearings to me. If it squeaks a bit going over bumps then the mount is likely dry and wearing out, spray some Cheetah grease in for a temporary fix. If the car has a hard time coming back to steering in a straight position after making a turn, then your strut bearings need to be replaced.:wink:

If it's an intermediate shaft, you'll be able to feel it when making a slight turn at low speeds, and you'll feel it in the steering wheel when it clunks.

I also have a 95 Sunfire that clunks on turns and bumps (on right Side) I just replaced the tie rod end an notice the top of the strut moves around a lot it seems like the strut itself is ok my question is, is it going to be the strut mount or the strut bearing that is bad.

Also can you just change the bearing by itself or do you have also replace strut mount once you take it apart.

I would like to get by without changing the strut if possible.

It doesn't squeak either.

What do you recommend?

Doug

Oh, come on! Did you search for "old posts"? :)

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