Hey all - I've got a 1985 SE V6, and I keep getting a mysterious popping noise coming from what sounds like the passenger front wheel-area-ish when I either go over bumps or (i think) turn slightly to the left. I've read online about two possibilities - one is the CV joint, don't really know what that is. The second I read about on a dodge caliber srt4 forum actually...something about re-torquing the k frame and the lower control arm bolts? is that applicable to us? Any insight or speculation on this problem is appreciated. Thanks guys.

- Ken

In most cases it is the balljoint. But if I remember right it could also be the swaybar endlinks. OR other front suspension related things. Seems like its possible that it could be the lower or even upper a arm but unlikely.

If it's coming from the front then Fieros don't have CV joints up there. Did this noise just start suddenly? Have you had any other work done in that area?

You need to have a shop look at the right front. It could be bad bushings in the control arms, bad ball joints or bad tie rod end. I actually suspect it to be a bad ball joint. Don't wait too long to get it checked out. They can let go and leave you in an uncontrollable situation

Jack the front of the car up and check for loose parts - grab the tire at the 3 and 9 oclock position and push & pull on the tire - feel for something loose. Then do the same at 12 and 6. Get a pry bar and gently pry on your tie rods and a arm bushings. It's most likely a ball joint or a tie rod. It is also possibly a bad a arm bushing. Check the wheel bearings too!

Can even be a failed control arm bushing.
Do you happen to have a trolley jack. Even a cheap $20 one?
Often if it bushings or ball joints you can see something by doing this.
Place the jack under the lower control arm and raise the car just enough to take some weight off the wheel but not take it off the ground. You then grab the wheel and act like your going to use it to roll the car forward and backward in a rocking motion.
Watch the upper bushings and upper and lower ball joints. With the pressure off of them you can often see them move.
To check the lower you have to lift on the cross frame instead of the lower control arm.
Not a fool proof check but I found this an easy way to check upper control arm bushings. You can really see them move if they are even somewhat worn.

Another check is open the front hood and grab some metal up front and bounce the front end up and down and listen. If you really get it bouncing you can often hear a source. If you have a bad back I'd pass on doing it though.

All else fails have a shop you trust check it out...

well, I gave the pushing up and down in the front thing a shot. Definitely a problem with the front left suspension, every time I do it I hear the mysterious popping noise. it's definitely getting worse too. any suggestions with that info? I'll probably have a chance to look at it this weekend, but I would like to know if it's dangerous to keep driving on it like this. Thanks guys

I hope its just a broken sway link, seems to be the culprit 80% of the time.

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87 SE 60* Turbo

Screw the L67...

Sway bar end link is my guess. If thats what it is, do both sides. A kit should normally come with both sides anyway.

You need to first try the suggested tests mentioned above. It may be something simple like a busted shock or more serious like busted ball joint.