car went clunk,clunk,clunk.

[jamesmetairie]

99 lx with about 128k. recently had wheels rotated . now i notice when driving about 40mph on a straight road and car moves to the left a little, as i give it a little right steering wheel to compensate i hear clunk and feel clunking in the steering wheel about 2 per second. also on interstate going about 65mph and to a curve to the right i have the same clunking. c/v boots ain,t busted. any idea,s will be appreciated. Jim.

[rhandwor]

If it started immediately after rotating the wheels I would put them back before you spend money looking. I had a new set put on a car and one tire was bad which caused pulling. Look for a bolt in the tire they cause clunking.

[AzTumbleweed]

See if lug nuts are tight.

[zzyzzx2]

Loose lug nuts.

If it still have the original outer tie rod ends, then they are way overdue.

[jamesmetairie]

clunking much worse.update= went back to sam,s club today for a redue. tech said he didn,t see anything really out of spec. but today the problem is much worse. shaking all the time at 50mph+. it seems to minimize as i accelerate. the plan is to take it to an old time suspension shop that does large trucks and buses,etc. will keep you guys posted.

[mightymoose_22]

Check the sterring rack and make sure it is securely mounted. I have found this to be an issue with a few Escorts... they like to work themselves loose over time.

[jamesmetairie]

clunk = bad tie-rod end. gave up and went to sears sunday afternoon. bad tie-rod end. i was so relieved i agreed to the alignment even though the car always drove straight as an arrow. total = $192. someday soon ill get the $25. tie-rod end at az for the other side and have my shady tree guy install it.
thanks for all you guys advice. i figured it was gonna be a lug nut.