96 ford escort front end problem

hi i have a 96 escort it has been making a clunking noise in the front end on passenger side at first it only did it when turning hard (like when backing out of parking spaces) now it does it all the time and i can feel a clunking on the floor of the car while driving.thought it might be cv joint but not sure was told it could be axle how do i check it for myself am afraid if i bring it to a mechanic they may see dumb female coming and take advantage. would be easy to do as i know next to nothing automotiv. pleade help!

Sounds like a cv joint(axle same thing).Good diagnosis on your part! Bad around corners then bad most of the time. Getting worse. Very UNPRETTY sometimes when these break. THINK VERY,VERY UGLY! Quick and dirty. Take it to 3 places for a free estimate. OBVIOUSLLY do not tell them that you have taken it anywhere else. If 2-3 places say cv/axle shaft that's what it probablly is.

Atta boy Arnold!

Could also be a ball joint. I've had to replace mine on both sides.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/353032BallJoint-med.jpg

Caliper slide mounts. They typically seize up and when suddenly break loose, hear and sometimes even feel that "clunk" in the front-end. It will likely be necessary to hone-out the caliper slide mounts to remove build-up before relubing and reinstalling parts. Replace the boot seals if damaged or loose on the ends. TO create a better seal, can use stiff wire to "clip" the ends; keeping that bearing grease in there. Should be able to manually slide calipers in/out when the rotor is removed.

How many miles are on the car?