69k miles, has developed a metallic pop or clunk sounds like left front wheel when turning left.

jack up left side and inspect brakes -hub-c/v joints-splines on axle-ball joints--strut--etc

A clunking sound in the front is very often the CV joints. This should be more obvious in a slow tight turn. If it is not the CV and is more noticeable on rough roads it could be any one if the suspension joints.

That a CV joint you're describing. That boot protects bearing from dirt getting in and grease from getting out. You don't have to hit anything, they split with age, deteriorate and sometimes actually twist on shaft and gives the appearance like you smacked something. Replace or have someone replace CV joint and boot on that wheel and you should be good to go.

How many miles?
Check the obvious eg loose wheel nuts, loose covers etc
It could be the outer CV joint. Check for split in the rubber boot as water/dirt getting in makes a fine grinding paste.
I assume the car is moving while you are turning the wheel.
Anyone else got any suggestions?

This would be your CV joint going out on that side. Probably has a bit of a grinding feel to it as well. The way to tell which side, and to confirm, jack up the suspected side until the front wheel is just off the ground. Leave the other side on the ground. Make sure you put it on a jack stand or block. Set the parking brake, and Start the car. Put it into gear, and turn the wheel to the side that it normally clunks. It will probably sound fine until you turn to the extreme, and then it will start clunking. Do the same for the other side, and it shouldn't do it. It's usually the outer CV joint that goes out, and often times you can see it by a torn CV boot.

Usually the CV Joint pops when worn making turns so check that out. The bad one will pop when only putting a load on it. Here an example, say the left side is bad and you make a right turn. It will not make the popping noise only unless both sides are bad

I have heard a lot of dry outer tie rod ends and ball joints causing this problem. Ford used non greasable front end parts in those years.Could also be in the strut mounts. Get a second opinion. If it makes the noise sitting still it should be easy to find with stethascope or chassi ear.

YES , THIS IS CERTAINLY YOUR LEFT OUTER CV JOINT, IT'S EASIER & CHEAPER TO REPLACE THE LEFT CV SHAFT

The boot you need to replace is call OUTER CV BOOT.

The quickest way to inspect is to drive it in low speed (UNDER 10 mph) tight left and right turns.

If you hear clicking sound then the CV shaft is bad.

It's also depending on how long the CV boot been crack.

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If you decide to go ahead on the job then please observe safety and use jack stands to fully support the front end.

Remove wheel,cotter pin,retainer cap and larger axle nut.

Make alignments markings on the strut tower and steering mount so your front end will able to put back to alignment.

You will need an able body to do the following.

Remove the large lower strut bolts and swing the strut off the CV.

DO NOT ROCK THE CAR!!!

Clean off the outer CV.

Install boot,grease and the two bands.

Line up the strut and steering yoke marks

repack bearings,lock nut,cap,cotter pin,wheel.


Drive the car in low speed for 1 miles with tight turns.

Do a quick inspection to make sure the CV boot is sitting perfectly on the CV.

• it sounds like your cv boot is bad and my need to replace or the half shaft is gone bad!!!