Thread: Get a Clunk sound when accelerating

I just want to know I'm on the right Track

I have a 2003 GTP with stock Struts, no drop, 92k on trans and motor Trans serviced at requirements. Replaced both Front and Rear Sways, trailing arms and Struts back in December. All new. Left front bearing was replaced 4 yrs ago.

I took it on a quick spin and I noticed that from a Dead Stop when Accelerating I hear/Feel a "clunk" (best way to describe) only from a dead stop and not in reverse (I backed out of the driveway and did not hear it). I am guess maybe the CV axle(s), does not sound like a Wheel bearing also the steering has some play in it and the sound sometimes although faint happens when the I turn the wheel to the right? Either Bearings, Axles or Steering? Engine and Trans mounts are in good shape and plan to replace upper mounts and bushings since both are shot. Any advice is greatly appreciated

Sorry forgot to mention new lower control arms with all new bushings , ball joints are new.

Well after the last week of Searching the forum and google, I spent this evening searching using Bing and Yahoo as well and I came up on this post from someone quoting a Tech bulletin

Steering - Steering Column Clunking When Turning TECHNICAL Bulletin No.: 01-02-32-001P Date: November 25, 2009 Subject: Clunk Felt/Noise Heard From Steering Column, Steering Gear and/or Front Of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver and/or Steering Wheel Rotation (Replace Intermediate Shaft As Directed) Models: 2001-2004 Buick Regal 2005-2008 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse 2000-2008 Chevrolet Impala 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue 2004-2007 Pontiac Grand Prix Supercede: This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 Buick LaCrosse/Allure. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-02-32-001O (Section 02 - Steering). Condition Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle while driving during a turning maneuver. This condition may also be felt through the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and the wheel is rotated from steering stop to steering stop. Some vehicles may only exhibit the noise once for every 360°of wheel rotation. On all other vehicles, this clunk noise will be noticed during low speed acceleration or deceleration, typically in light turns of the steering wheel or when applying/releasing the brakes. Cause This condition may be caused by a "slip stick" condition of the steering intermediate shaft resulting in the clunk noise or feel through the steering wheel. Diagnostic Tip Important This condition is commonly misdiagnosed as originating in the steering gear and has resulted in the replacement of numerous steering gears without correcting the concern. Attempt to duplicate the customer's concern and isolate the I-shaft by following the procedure below: 1. Locate a large area (parking lot) where the vehicle can be turned in a tight circle. 2. Turn the steering wheel to the right and/or left all the way to the steering lock, then off the steering lock a 1/4 turn. 3. Drive the vehicle approximately 5 km/h (3 mph) in a circle, preferably over rough pavement or seams on the road surface. 4. Drive the vehicle straight ahead at idle speed while applying and releasing the brake pedal. Listen/feel the steering wheel for the clunk/noise condition. 5. If a clunk is felt in the steering wheel, the MOST likely cause is the I-shaft - not the steering gear. Continue with the correction. Correction DO THIS - Replace the intermediate shaft DON'T DO THIS - DO NOT lube the intermediate shaft Replace the existing intermediate shaft using the service procedure found in Service Information.

Now I forgot to put in 2003 Grand Prix in the search, I will take it to the Parking lot tomorrow to do the check, anyone heard of 97-03's having issues with the ISS?

Great.....I watched a video of the change on a 01 Monte.....Looked easy enough other than trying to fit my 230 lbs a$$ in the space the size of a Milk crate....lol

Originally Posted by stealthee

Certain cars its not so bad, on my 07 the boots are VERY stiff and not pliable at all like the vid of the Monte. They were my biggest challenge.

OMG you ain't kidding the boots were awful, I did it this afternoon. The interior one I had to cut a little since the the ISS was getting stuck....took me 3 hours (took some breaks since I had done a bunch of other work earlier). Good news Clunk gone.....but now I feel a some play I guess in the steering rack. If I am at a dead stop and turn the wheel back and forth feel a bump in the wheel when going left/right quickly. I am going to check/re-tighten the lower control arms JIC, but any guesses something I'm missing? I checked all the struts and everything else, got to be the steering right? Any advice or ideas greatly Appreciated.

Originally Posted by stealthee

You might have the same issue I did. The ISS hid an issue with the rack. Once I replaced the ISS the rack issue was more prevalent. I replaced my rack last week and now I am good to go.

Ugh, ok time to budget for a rack and the time to put it in. Thanks for the heads up, greatly appreciated.

Wouldn't hurt to take a look at the engine and transmission mount either!!