Popping and clunking

[Grand94AMGT]

Ive got a 94 grand am gt 3.1L.

Since it was bought with 130K and now has 170k it has had new front struts, new rear shocks, Starter, ac clutch, engine mount and alternator. Recently I had to replace the lower intake gaskets, I went ahead and changed the head gaskets, valve seals and all upper gaskets along the way.

Im driving it more now that I reinherited it, and the clunking is bothersome.

Ive got a pretty loud clunking when going over bumps. The last clunking it had was the engine mount had completely worn down and clunking on bumps.

I had planned to replace the lower ball joints although I dont see any play in them.

Also have a popping when you turn the steering wheel back and forth. Ive watched for play in the tie rod ends but also dont see any . Its more like its coming from beneath the brake booster so I cant see whats under there.

Are these some common wear issues/problems on the grands?

[GASE 95]

i just had to replace my front sway bar bolts yesterday. The left front rusted completely through but was still sitting in place so I didnt notice it was broken until i accidentally bumped it. That caused a lot of clunks and pops when I went over bumps as well. Primarily when turning over bumps under 5 mph. So you might want to take a look at those.

[xeroinfinity]

The control arm bushings can cause some clunking when they are bad.
Also the bolts holding the rack n pinion can break or become loose and cause rattles.

You'll definatly need to get it checked over on a lift, or at least with the wheels off the ground, and should be able to find the troublesome rattles.

[vamc]

If i may add, i cant think of the name of it, but on top of the shocks there is something that turnes, it has bearings in the middle and plastic/metel on the outside. whet ever that is called, that could be it. This was it for my Alero.

[xeroinfinity]

Yea vamc that would be the spring seat and bearing plate.
Both can go bad and make noise's.