Hi there, I have a 1996 dodge stratus ES (2.5l / V6) which makes a clanking noise when hitting pot holes, on both front wheels. Also, if I hit the upper side of the wheels it will make same type of noise. Would you happen to know what's wrong/broke there? Thank you kindly, Teddy

Find out which pulley is the tensioner one, it will have a place in the center to place a socket driver and turn counter clockwise and remove belt. Then unbolt alt

you should be taking it to an accredited suspension specialist for a front and read end check and a wheel alignment back and front

could be failed wheel bearings
most likely failed tie rod ends or suspension ball joints
take it in for a front end check
have wheel alignment done after the front end check

This often indicates that your brakes are worn and in need of replacement.
Most disk brake systems have a squealer that makes noise to remind you to have your brakes inspected when they near end-of-life.

Lift the hood and have some one get under the vehicle a grab hold of any component that may be suspect for looseness, causing this noise.
Puss down on the front of the vehicle when it is not moving to re-inact the drivability problem your having. This seems like a loose bushing or possibly a loose exhaust shield. Hard to say at this point.

Your engine and transmission mounts need inspection. Replace as necessary.
Jack up your car and support it on jack-stands.
Rotate the front-wheels and pull it towards your chest to feel the condition of the wheel bearings.
Do the same for the rear-wheels.
As for rear bouncing around corner: your rear-shocks need to check.
Last resort is to do frame inspection.

Yes it can. So long as the front wheels are perfectly straight and secured in this position and I don't mean secured with the steering lock as that will most likely break when your car hits a pot hole. Also, by towing with all wheels, you're adding extra mileage onto your car because the speed sensor is built into the front wheels (this amount will be considered negligible).

This usually indicates a problem with the suspension components. Check for play in front end suspension, 1st thing I would check would be the steering damper, it's often overlooked, and could be the cause. If that checks out ok, jack up and check for play in wheels, which could be caused by worn ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings. A lot of possibilities, generally play in any components can trigger the shaking you're experiencing when hitting a pot hole or bump. Good luck!

Could be the wheel cover (if equipped) git a little bent against the wheel itself. Try removing cover and see if sound is gone.

it could be the struts, upper strut mounts or a broken spring on one of the struts