slight clunk in front

[clevername88]

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. When I start my car and back out of the driveway I hear a slight clunk from the front of the car. This is also the case when I start from a stop sign/light. I have since taken it to a shop where they diagnosed the following problems.

1. Front Tie Rods -- Need replaced
2. Right front control Arm Bushings -- need replaced
3. Front brake pads and Rotors -- need replaced
4. Right Rear shock -- need replaced (leaking fluid)

I was quoted about 1200 to do the whole thing and if I leave some stuff out like doing one shock instead of two and just the one control arm bushing instead of both the price would drop to about 820. Both of these seem pretty excessive to me. How hard would it be for say me and a fairly competent friend to take care of some of this stuff in his garage? I had my brakes done at Meinake and have the lifetime option so I am considering having them do those. But I am certain they will charge me full price for the rotors. Any suggestions on tackling this project would be greatly appreciated. Also, any "how to" articles that show step by step instructions on some of these things that anyone can direct me to would be awesome too. Thanks for all the help, this forum is great.

[richtazz]

You can probably replace the pads and rotors yourself for less than what Meineke will charge you for the rotors alone under their "warranty".

The control arm bushings are rather simple, but are much easier if you have an air hammer to knock the old ones out rather than beating on them. Tie rods are also simple for the DIY.

The rear strut(s) will require a spring compressor to do, unless you want to buy the Monroe Quickstrut which includes the spring and upper mount already assembled and ready to install. Finally, with everything you're needing, the car will require an alignment afterwards. Since Grand Prixs require a 4 wheel alignment, you'd be best off doing everything at once to avoid having to pay for another alignment.

[mike_gp2008]

When you replace the tie rod ends, do you have a tool for pressing them out of the steering knuckle, or do you just use a pickle fork? While we're at it, how about separating ball joints?

[Will Help]

Replaceing tie rod joints, the pickle fork is OK to use. You don't have to worry about damageing them. Dislike forking ball joints and useing them again. If you have alot of miles on this you might want to replace the ball joints for good measure. Then you could use the piclke fork and it would also make it easier to change the joint on the bench while changing the bushings. Everything will be like new.

[BNaylor]

For what the tool is worth I wouldn't go out and purchase the tie rod separator tool aka pickle fork. If you are replacing the outer tie rod end all you have to do is use PBBlaster penetrating oil on the tie rod stud that inserts into the steering knuckle and then retread the old nut a few turns. Then carefully tap upwards on the nut with a hammer. It will pop right out of the steering knuckle. The new tie rod end will have a new nut and a cotter pin retainer so it is no issue.

[mike_gp2008]

Thanks for the info. Any other opinions on separating ball joints?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by mike_gp2008

Thanks for the info. Any other opinions on separating ball joints?

Are you referring to removing the ball joint from the steering knuckle or from the lower control arm (LCA)? If you are installing new ball joints you can use the same process I described for the outer tie rod ends without using a ball joint separator tool. To remove the old ball joints from the LCA you have to drill or pop the the old rivets out. The new ball joint should have small bolts and nuts to use to attach the new ball joint to the LCA.

Just a recommendation but if you are going to replace the vertical and horizontal bushings on an LCA and the ball joint, sometimes it is better to get a new control arm assembly which will have new bushings and a ball joint.

[mike_gp2008]

I was talking about removing the ball joints from the steering knuckle. I guess if you are replacing the ball joint, then banging them out like you suggested would work. But if you are just removing them and not replacing the ball joints, does this do too much damage?

By the way, these questions (about tie rod ends and ball joints) are mainly for future reference, not for any job at the moment. Thanks for the answers.

[HotZ28]

Some good advice above for making the recommended repairs, but it is hard for me to believe that all these parts would be worn out on a 2001 model! How many miles on this car? Has anyone checked the front upper strut mounts & bearings? BTW, never replace only one strut, either on the front or rear, always replace in sets. I would get a second & third opinion from some other reputable shops before tearing into this.