Thread: Front End Clunk

I was driving down the freeway and heard what sounded like a bolt flying off, or a rock bouncing under my car. I looked in my rear view mirror and saw something bouncing down the freeway behind me, but didn't have time to go back and see what it was. Since then, when I turn at low speeds (more-so when I turn to the left) or go over bumps (speed bumps, drive ways, etc) there's a "clunk" that comes from the front end, almost like something is sliding, but I'm unsure is actually causing the sound. It's not a prolonged sound, just a quick "clunk" then it's done. No changes in the handling at any speed, but it concerns me and I've gone easy on the 'ol girl since.

The clunk sounds similar to the sound my Saturn made when the front bearings were toast and I would go over speed bumps or drive through a yard, but I never got that sound when turning which is why I'm a bit baffled. I would think it would either be my bearing or my axle, but I'm no mechanic.

2003 GP GT stock approx 160k miles

sadly without looking at it, no one can tell you what you broke.

but most likely its the sway bar.

Find someone who sells the dorman kit and you'll be set for a while.

Originally Posted by matt5112

sadly without looking at it, no one can tell you what you broke.

but most likely its the sway bar.

Find someone who sells the dorman kit and you'll be set for a while.

I concur. Basically, jack the car up, take wheels off and inspect. The hollow swap bars on the W-Bodies are prone to breaking.

My father's '97 Grand Prix broke one (he's still delaying changing it, but has the part). At the time, we found it CHEAPER to get the GMPP swap bar from Summit Racing then it was to buy any after market replacement! So that is what he has waiting to be installed.

dorman is solid.

GMPP is not.

i just got a dorman kit for 60 bucks off ebay, shipped right away.

Update: It was the sway bar, it snapped about 1/3rd of the way in under the engine. The kit was relatively cheap and no biggie (even got new bushings and links with it).