Chevrolet Repair: Clunk in Front End on Tight Turns - Chevy Venture, sway bar link, control arm bushing

Question
I have a 2001 Chevy Venture that we just purchased, and it is making a clunking sound when making tight turns around 10mph. It is easiest to duplicate by turning sharply while going over a speed bump or by turning sharply when coming down out of the drive way to the level street. The clunk also reappears when taking faster (40-50mph), sharp turns like when entering the expressway. The clunk is almost always a single clunk and not a rattle and happens more frequently in right turns. There is no vibration or loss of steering but the clunk can be felt in the floor and steering wheel. One Chevy Dealer said there was nothing wrong. The other Chevy Dealer said it was a loose headlight assembly. My research is leaning towards a ball joint, tie rod, steering shift, engine or transmission mounts, or cv joint. As you can see, I am not experienced enough to pin point it, but I am definitely experienced enough to know it isn't a rattling headlight assembly.

Answer
David,


Sounds like a BallJoint right off the bat.  It could also be a sway bar link.  But that should rattle more going straight and more often.  Balljoint is most likely the cause.

C J S

I wanted to add that if this clunk is not associated with any tire wear, it could also be a control arm bushing.  A weak dealership tech may not find that.