1997 Grand Am making awful noise!!

[ereds5]

The problem lies somewhere in the front left wheel area. When I stop, then start moving again, the car(LF tire area) makes a loud pop. Also if I am turning slowly and hit a bump it also makes this terrible noise. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.
Thanks Eric

[Slade901]

Probably it is the balljoint. Check the rubber on top of the balljoint where it holds the grease. If that rubber is torn then it might caused the balljoint to fail.

Raise the front left side of the vehicle with the tires on. Hold the top and bottom of the tire and wiggle it side to side to see if you hear that noise. Hold the tire 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock and wiggle the tire side to side and see if you hear that noise.

You have to remove your tire and check it physically. Check also you strut assembly for any defects.

[ereds5]

Thank you I will give that a try.
Eric

[fopu]

The noise may also come from the top bearings.

[bigdad6714]

Mine was doing that and it had a bad c-v joint. You might check that too for any play.

[ereds5]

What will replacing ball joint entail?? Is it easy?hard? or worth taking in and get fixed for $200

[02grandamgt]

my 02 is making a very loud noise. i thought it was winter tires, but i put the regs on today. it sounds like i'm in an airplane