clunking while turning

[jakstr1]

I have a 2003 Base vibe with about 180k. When changing a rear hub assembly last week I gave my car a once over trying to diagnose a clunking from the front end of the car when turning and going over bumps. I jacked the front end up and found some play in the axle. Concerned about that and not know the first effin thing about drive axel, I took it to my mechanic.

My mechanic told me that the axle was bad. A boot had come missing and it was "all sorts of f*cked up" He told me he was 99% sure the outboard joints being bad was what was making the problem. He couldn't get to the inboard??? He isn't set up to do that kind of work???

Anyways, the axle was "replaced" I think and also the break rotors and pads. He told me the bad axle chewed-up the right front strut as well and told me it needed to be replaced. He is checking with the manufacture of the strut to see if he can replace it under their warranty. I had him replace the struts <5000 miles ago.

To my surprise I got into my car after picking it up and the first turn I took I hear a clunking noise. I get the clunking noise turning either direction, but only at low speeds. I called my mechanic back and he told me this could be the struts making the noise.

Long post I know but I will summarize to the following questions:

1. Could worn struts be making a clunking noise when turning at low speeds?
2. Could it be bad cv joints? Sounds most likely, but i literally just had that replace 5 days ago
3. Is there something I am missing? i.e. inboard joint, ball joints, tie rod etc..

I appreciate any advice or input I can receive. Thanks.

[bluneon]

your front sway bar end link is worn.

when the car is in the air grab both ends of the front sway bar near the link w each hand. wiggle one end and then the other with both hands on the sway bar. you will feel clunking in either hand if you have a failed joint.

you should replace both links. demand a refund from your mechanic.