My 88 clunks on bumps and when braking since I got it. The ball joints were greased religiously , not sure if it was preventative maintenance or masking the problem but I will be checking those soon. I also remember reading that there was a common issue where some bolts that loosen over time but cant find that page again, thinking upper control arm?
See if the energy absorber is firmly attached. If not it makes an awesome clunk as it bumps against the metal plate it attaches to. They say to fix it, if that's the problem, you need to remove the front bumper. I have a plan that involves at least two universal joints that seems worth a try.
See if the energy absorber is firmly attached. If not it makes an awesome clunk as it bumps against the metal plate it attaches to. They say to fix it, if that's the problem, you need to remove the front bumper. I have a plan that involves at least two universal joints that seems worth a try.
Mine had almost the same clunk. Check the upper control arm bolts that mount it to the frame. This is also the alignment adjustment bolts. Mine were loose which caused the clunk and misalignment. May need to replace the bolts and the captive nuts that are mounted together on a plate underneath. Once you get in there and look at it you'll see what I mean.
It's the right side rack bushing. Very common to get worn and cause the clunk. My 88 duke had the same noise. Replaced the bushing from Rodney and the clunk is gone.
I had a bad rack bushing before, but it didn't clunk every time I hit the brakes. It clunked over every bump
I also have the same problem- Every time I touch the brakes, there is a clunk. I don't think it is the rack bushing, as it is from the driver's side. I checked the caliper- it is tight...
Thanks for the info guys I really appreciate it, It looks like I'll finally have some time to take a look at it today between classes, will check back with the results. If he upper control arm alignment bolts are loose I need to get it re aligned correct?
Cracked ball joint, whole wheel went up into the wheel well and car dropped to the ground. I came to a scretching stop at 50 mph, Thank God I wasnt on the freeway...Check the ball joints for any cracks.
Sorry for the late update I didn't have nearly as much time as I had wanted. I can't really tell if my ball joints are good or bad I just greased them and my tie rod ends,they are original so they must be overdue for replacement. My dad is pretty reluctant to start that job with me since he's only ever had problems with the fork tool, does Rodney's make a big difference?
The uca bolts seemed pretty tight, I couldn't budge them with a plain ratchet. My torque wrench is blocked off by a fridge and other junk in the garage so it's gonna be awhile til i can get that out. I took it for a drive after i greased them and didn't notice a difference. Though there are so many other noises going on aswell (need to replace door striker bolts and will be doing that tomorrow).
I will be interested in what you find. Total front end rebuild in an 88, tore apart steering rack and installed new bushing and play fully adjusted out. Still have a slight thump and steering wheel yanks to the side slightly when I hit a slight imperfection in the road.
Door rattle is fixed now, I'm talking about the front end
If it sounds anything like a tambourine it will be the sway bar links. The washers make a racket, except when you jack up the car, and then they are tight.
[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 04-14-2015).]
My dad is pretty reluctant to start that job with me since he's only ever had problems with the fork tool, does Rodney's make a big difference?
Rodney's ball joint tool (or a reasonable facsimile) makes a HUGE difference. Don't even bother attempting to replace ball joints on a Fiero without one.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 04-14-2015).]