Front left tire popping noise when turning

[summissuslumen]

I have a Pontiac Grand Am GT year 1999, it has 115,000 miles on it and I have had it for 2 years. While driving today I suddenly started noticing a popping noise coming frome the front left tire when I turned to the left at low speeds. I can also feel it slightly in the steering wheel. Getting out I had someone turn the wheel for me while I checked the tire and there is a noticable ...shift..in what looks to be the suspension(I'm not an overly knowledgable car person, so it is the bar directly behind the tire). I just had BOTH my bearings replaced my breaks redone new pads put into place as a result of an earlier problem only 3 weeks ago at the price tag of $1300 dollars and am very nervous about this sound. I could very much use any help anyone can give, thank you.

[GTP Dad]

It sounds like you have a bad tie rod. If it is the rod you see moving when you turn the tire all the way. It is also possible that it is the sway bar. If possible could you post a picture of what you are seeing and I can give you a better description of the problem. Also if a picture is not possible then try a description of what it looks like.

[summissuslumen]

I can't take a picture...but I will try and describe it. When looking at the wheel, right behind and above it there is a bar with what looks like the suspension on it (There are coils around it) it goes up into the car. When the wheel is turned left it also turns, and while turning it...pops. It also makes a poping sound. It does this 2-3 times as the wheel is turned. It does NOT do it when I turn the wheel right and I notice nothing at high speeds.

[summissuslumen]

Bah, I will be better at my description. It is a bar, above the bar the is kinda a plastic circular object before it goes into the car. As I said, it turns as wheel is turned, and it pops kinda like...it moves quickly to the right and then back into place WHILE its turning...that is not to say the thing is MOVING to the right but quickly pops a little MORE right quckly and than goes back a little bit and turns right gradgually again.

[GTP Dad]

Based on your description the part your are describing is the strut. It is possible for it to bind when you turn the wheel due to a bad mount or strut bearing. You need to take the car to a repair shop and have the strut removed to check it. It is also possible that the spring is not seated properly on the strut and that is causing the problem. It the strut is bad and needs replaced then you will need to get it realigned once the new struts are on. It will cost about $250 for installation and alignment. Most of the chain stores can do this for you if they have to be replaced. I don't recommend that you change struts yourself. Have it checked first to see what the mechanic thinks the problem is but per your description that is where I would start. By the way the 99 Grand Am's seem to have front end noise problems, I know of several with similar problems.

[summissuslumen]

Thank you, that is really helpful and I will do exactly that. 250 dosn't sound so bad