Pontiac Repair: clunking sound, pontiac sunfire, control arm bushing

Question
My Pontiac Sunfire 2000 makes a clunking noise when stopping or starting. I've had it five months and it's only happened three times. What could be causing it?

Answer
Hi Robin:

Your really not giving me a lot to go on here But I'll do my best to help you out. Is it in the brakes you hear it or is it in the suspension? If it's in the brakes it could be a brake caliper hanging up causing the noise. If it's in the suspension it could be a number of things like a lower control arm bushing loose or a bad ball joint or tie rod end. It could also be something engine related like a loose or worn out motor mount when the car accelerated and slows down the engine is moving too much and causing the clunk. Just a few possibiliies and the fact that it has only happend less then 1 time a month makes it even harder to tell yo uwhat it could be and unless it gets worse I can't say that anyone would be able to dive it and by chance that it were to happen. Good luck :)