Tire shake and higher pitch clunk from tire.

AL514

MECHANIC
2001 CHEVROLET IMPALA
3.8L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Hello, I'm a younger tech, and have yet to see this problem. With the driver side front tire off the ground "suspension hanging", the tire has play in and out up top and down "by hand". I had a 4 ft ply bar underneath and the balljoint is solid, has no play, as well as the tierod end. I was told it was the wheel bearing, but I am not getting any grinding out of it. I have checked the swaybar links as well, they're good. But the top of the tire moving in and out is definitely an issue. The clunk is lite and during turning and braking. Any help would be great. Thanks guys

al

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Reach over the tire between the coils of the spring, and put your fingertips on top of the strut body so they're touching the shaft. If there's slop there, you'll feel it when you tug in and out on the tire. Also look for the center hole rusted out on the upper strut mount. You'll see the large center nut shifting back and forth. You'll need to have the suspension not hanging freely to find these. Doing so will prevent worn parts from moving when you poke at them.

Forget the anti-sway bar and its links. Those have nothing to do with holding the wheel in alignment.

A wheel bearing can be sloppy without making the typical buzzing noise. That is easier to spot if you watch for movement between the hub and spindle while a helper tugs back and forth on the tire. That will only make a clunking noise when the directional force on the wheel changes. Worn lower control arm bushings are pretty common now too since most manufacturers have gone to softer rubber compounds for a more comfortable ride.