Clunking noise in front end

I have a mystery "clunk" in my '88 that occurs somewhere in the front end when I slow down (just before I come to a stop) and sometimes if I hit a bad bump. Anyone have this happen on theirs? I hate to replace every part in the front end if can be isolated to just one part.

I should clarify - It sounds/feels like either a suspension part or steering part.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/29504106...9955JuOmEu

start by tightening these bolts up. This photo is over a year old from the same problem I had.

make sure everything else under there is tight as well.

Worn out bushings are usually the culprit.Don't use aftermarket bushings,they get rid of the clunk,but create creaks.

Thanks; I'll have to crawl under there and see what I can do.

i am having the same problem and cant read what you wrote on the left hand side of the picture... can you better explain where these bolts are located.

Check your ball joints!!!

I had a clunk on my 87 front end every time I hit a bump, I found a TSB on alldata about inner tie rods.


I replaced both of my inner tie-rods and no more clunk. Although, it would be far easier (IMO)to just swap steering racks, because my tie-rods were pure rust lol.

A steering rack is like $75 after core.

i have check the ball joints and the nipple is sticking out. from what i heard that is a gauge for how good your ball joints are. i have the same problem on my 88' RX-7 (that car i changed the ball joints) Clunk is still there??? any other thoughts?

From an old post:
{quote}Most (if not all) Fox cars have wear indicators built in to the ball joints. The spring puts the ball joints under load, so the "grab the tire and shake" doesn’t really work here. Look at the bottom of the joint - the flat part. There is a circular part in the center, maybe 3/8" to 1/2" diameter. If this is sticking up (pointing down) from the flat surrounding area less than 1 mm, the joints are worn. If it is flush with the flat area, the joint is BADLY worn.{/quote}

There is a lot of things that can make front end noise. Often it can be worn end links and bushings for the sway bar. As others have said it could be tie rod ends. Have you checked lug nuts and wheel bearings first?