clunk heard when turning hard right

[bluelionpiper]

so my 98 R/T is running great but I noticed the other day when I was pulling a U turn, that at full swing to the right I hear a clunk. The clunk is associated with road speed. I'm assuming it's the CV joint on the right side. The cv boot is intact and when not slamming it to the right the car drives fine and there is no noise or vibration. There is no 'clunk' when I pull it hard to the left. Otherwise the front suspension is sold except for maybe the lower ball joints.

Am I able to go past what the cv can do and otherwise it's fine or is it giving me fair warning?

[alpinegreenneon]

My son's Neon was doing a clunk for every left turn. I tried a junkyard cv axle, no change but when I was replacing the axle I could tell it was the lower ball joint, the stud was extremely loose. Replaced the ball joint and all is well.

[bluelionpiper]

well I've suspected the ball joints where trash for a while now, so that would line up.

[bluelionpiper]

replaced both ball joints, clunk is still there. :(

[Cragger]

If you mean by associated with road speed the clunk happens when you are going faster then slower and only when turning one direction my guess would be sway bar end links. They can be amazingly noisy inside a car because they transmit any vibration so well into the 'frame' of the vehicle.

One way to road test to help isolate is run over a speed bump at the speed bump speed limit with just the left tire if possible. The left side compression will by the same on the sway bar as a right hand turn at full lock. Should clunk like it does in the turn if it is the end links.

[NickKo]

replaced both ball joints, clunk is still there. :(

In case this was not done already:

Chrysler recommends replacing the 'clevis bolt' and nut, with every disassembly.

BOLT = P 6501248
NUT = P 6501247

You'll need to order a pair of each ... One for each side.

The size is: 12mm x 1.75 pitch.
Bolt is grade 10, as I recall.

On my 1998 Neon, I had a 'thunk' after a front-end disassembly, which did not go away - Until after I replaced the offending nut and bolt.
Then, the car was quiet again.

- Nick

[NickKo]

If you mean by associated with road speed the clunk happens when you are going faster then slower and only when turning one direction my guess would be sway bar end links. They can be amazingly noisy inside a car because they transmit any vibration so well into the 'frame' of the vehicle.

One way to road test to help isolate is run over a speed bump at the speed bump speed limit with just the left tire if possible. The left side compression will by the same on the sway bar as a right hand turn at full lock. Should clunk like it does in the turn if it is the end links.

This post reminds me... Also, be sure to check and tighten your swaybar end links... Assuming these have been replaced, and are reasonably new.
I find I have had to tighten mine, a week or two, after installation.

- Nick