Loud clanking noise and Jerking. HELP!!

[stiltz]

Hey. This problem started last week on just one occasion, then I forgot about it. It happened from a stop sign, and then I started going around the corner. I heard this loud clanking sound and at the same time there was a large jerk, as if i had run over a large object or hit a pot-hole. I forgot about it after then, but lastnight (wednesday) I was pulling into my nieghborhood and the same thing happened, except this time it clanked and jerked about five (5) times. It has not stopped. This clank is coming from the front of the car, I believe it is the drivers side, but could also be passanger. It is very loud, and along with it comes this jerk which you can feel through out the whole car. This action only seems to happen when turning, and when in drive, although it has happened a few times in neutral, but the sound and jerk was not as loud/severe. OH, this also happens when turning in reverse. Some people have tried to tell me that it is the transmission, but as of now, I am pretty sure it is not because shifting has not been effected. Also a mechanic took a guess over the phone and suggested that it may be the Main upper strut mount. IF ANYBODY HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS OF INFORMATION PLEASE RESPOND ASAP! or send me an e-mail. Thanks a lot

Andrew

[SKYravefever]

How about letting us know what year and model you have, Andrew? :p

[stiltz]

haha my bad, It is a 1998 4-door LE 2.2L

[Phi]

It might simply be worn engine mounts. Check those first since they're the cheapest to fix/replace. It could also be any of the following;
-axles
-CV joints
-steering column


Does this noise only happen at lower speeds?

[stiltz]

yeah as far as i know just at lower speeds, going around corners, i've only noticed it in 1st or 2nd gear, (its an automatic) and i'm not really willing to see what will happen if it were faster...

[Gen3caMLos]

Originally posted by stiltz
Hey. This problem started last week on just one occasion, then I forgot about it. It happened from a stop sign, and then I started going around the corner. I heard this loud clanking sound and at the same time there was a large jerk, as if i had run over a large object or hit a pot-hole. I forgot about it after then, but lastnight (wednesday) I was pulling into my nieghborhood and the same thing happened, except this time it clanked and jerked about five (5) times. It has not stopped. This clank is coming from the front of the car, I believe it is the drivers side, but could also be passanger. It is very loud, and along with it comes this jerk which you can feel through out the whole car. This action only seems to happen when turning, and when in drive, although it has happened a few times in neutral, but the sound and jerk was not as loud/severe. OH, this also happens when turning in reverse. Some people have tried to tell me that it is the transmission, but as of now, I am pretty sure it is not because shifting has not been effected. Also a mechanic took a guess over the phone and suggested that it may be the Main upper strut mount. IF ANYBODY HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS OF INFORMATION PLEASE RESPOND ASAP! or send me an e-mail. Thanks a lot

Andrew

I agree, I would strongly suggest checking out the CV Joint. The CV boot may have cracked or something. A bad CV Joint makes a Clanking sound. Check this site out for some tips CV Tips.
http://www.raxles.com/trouble.htm

Also have your steering Checked. A while ago my steering was going between Stiff and jerky, and it turned out to be a worn steering coupler. Relatively inexpensive to fix.

Good luck. Let us know what the verdict is.

[stiltz]

though does it make sense that it only usually happens when turning?

[lil_ta]

so did you ever found out wha it was let me know seriously in need!!!