Mysterious Clunking Returns?!

[Alexander van Gerbig]

    Well I have discovered something very odd.  The only way I could have
corrected the clunking was by lifting the front end and pulling/pushing the
tie rod arm on the strut, repeatedly.  I remember the first time I checked
all the suspension components due to this clunking, I wobbled, pushed,
pulled on everything.  Then I went for a drive and the noise was gone for
about 5 starts/stops.  The noise _never_ disappeared when I re/tightened
bolts, exhaust bolts, rack bolts, suspension bolts, on top of all the new
parts.  Ain't that weird?

    When the noise disappeared and the steering wheel straightened out
magically the _only_ two things I touched in that proximity of time were the
right axle nut and the struts.  I stomped on the axle nut and I doubt that
made the difference.  I also have been checking the suspension components
due to a braking wobble, but that is caused by warped rotors and may be
magnified by another problem.  When I had the car up I was pulling/pushing
on the tie rod arms a whole bunch trying to figure out if anything felt
loose.  That is magically when the clunking went away.  Is this indicative
of a bad rack, loose tie rods, or what?  That is what I am leaning towards,
but rack is rebuilt unit of 5 months age.  I am wicked confused at this
point.

    Soon I will taking my big brakes off, installing the stock junk, throw
the 14" snows on, lift the car with coilovers, and have it realigned.  At
that time I am thinking new tie rod ends, again...

Thanks,

Alexander van Gerbig -- '88 80

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