Front end thud/banging noise

[zx11]

I am experiencing a really harsh ride over slightly bumpy roads and am getting a banging noise from the front end even at slower speeds. Also noticed that when I back out of my driveway I get the same thud when the front wheels move from the driveway to the street (there is a slight drop from the driveway to the street. I replaced the front and rear struts with KYB AGX's about a year ago (I also replaced the top mounts for the front and used the stock springs) and have them turned to the softest setting. The problem started about a month ago. Not sure what is causing the problem - checked the ball joints for play but they seem OK. Are the lower control arm bushings my problem? If it is the control arm bushings, where can I get rubber replacement bushings - I don't want the urethane bushings.

Any input would be appreciated - did a search but can't seem to find anyone with a similar problem.

Its a '93 AWD Talon w/ 105K miles - I am the original owner. Its all stock except for the KYB struts.

 

[Black95_TURBO]

I have a similar problem but the noise seems to be coming from the right rear on my car. I replace shocks/struts and that was no help, actually got worse since then. I hear the noise (like a loose piece of heavy metal banging into something) when I go around a left turn or over a bump. Also when I get going over 40mph the car will start to sway or jerk from side to side. I think I might have to take it to a shop, any help or ideas would be appreciated. Could this have to do with any of the recalls?

 

[Black95_TURBO]

I had a mechanic take a look at my car for me, needs new lower control arms in the rear (that’s what was making the noise.) Also they suggested that I replace the carrier bearings, I took a look and the drive shaft was really about to fall off. They wanted 815 dollars to fix it, I think I will do it myself for just 200 dollars in parts. Mechanics rip you off on parts and labor, so if you can't figure out what's wrong with your car bring it to a shop and have them put it on there lift and figure it out for free then bring it home and do the work yourself. They wanted 260 dollars for a set of used lower control arms, from mitsu new they're only $55 a piece.

 

[w1kk3d]

You must be thinking of something else...
New lower control arms from mitsu are around $190 each.
Trust me

 

[Black95_TURBO]

for the rear ones they're only 55.

 

[tsigrl2016G]

i seem to have the same problem, zx11, but i just replaced the front struts with kyb's like a week ago. The bushings on the boots on the struts were practically non-existant (just got new bushings and used the old boot)...and the old struts, you pushed them down and that's right where they stayed...it was pretty bad. The steering wheel always shook a little but now with the new struts, it shakes A LOT. On the passenger front axel, the cv joint had popped out of place while i had the car in the air, but when i moved it , it went back in. So, for the problem now, i'm ruling out the front axel's. The bearings in the top mounts looked fine but this clunk noise that you describe is still coming from the driver's side, especially around slow turns. I'm just going to take everything back off and have another look. I'm hoping it's not the cv's in the axles. Could be a ball joint, i'm gonna have another look at the mount bearings. When i find something,,,because i know i'll have to find something, i'll let you know, mabye it'd been your prob. too. And...the original owner???????? wow, you're lucky.