Clunk in front end when hit bump while turning

[dlbdata]

Originally Posted by Intuit

It isn't. The boot has been gone on my front struts for as long as I can remember. I assume you're NOT talking about the strut mount bushing at the top. If at the top, by all means, get that replaced.
A strut may squeak, but never heard of one clunking before.

Yes I was just referring to the rubber boot. Mine have been rotted for ages also.
So how did you find out you had a shattered ball joint? Did you have to actually remove it?

[AzTumbleweed]

"A strut may squeak, but never heard of one clunking before."

I'll try to explain it. There is a rod that moves in and out of the strut assembly as you go over bumps. That rod goes in and out of a hole in the strut. On my car that hole had enlarged due to wear. So the hole was bigger around than the rod. So the 'clunking' sound was caused by the rod moving around (back and forth) as it moved in and out of the hole.

[Intuit]

I'm surprised the strut didn't leak... rendering it ineffective. (meaning that corner of the car would go bouncy-bouncy)

Here's a cross-section of an oil based strut design.

Looks like there should be a bushing or seal for that rod. That's probably what failed.