Helping the girlfriend sell her tracker and need help diagnosing a problem. The vehicle is a 2000 Chevy tracker with 120k miles.

Something in the front end makes a popping noise when making left turns. It usually doesn't happen on smooth pavement...and seems to happen more often when I'm still turning the wheel. It sounds like a metal on metal contact with the metal parts being under tension (like a spring popping or suspension part clanging against itself). I haven't had a chance to get under the car yet, as I'm at work and it's 35 degrees outside.

My guess is worn springs or severely worn ball joints. Are there any other common things I should look at?

Thanks in advance!

 

Check the stabilizer (sway) bar, it's common for them to break at the ball and socket (it looks like a tie-rod). The bar goes from one side to the other side. You can drive it with it broken but it can get loud.

 

Check out STRUTMASTERS for your suspension problems. They sell conversion kits that come with a lifetime warranty. These kits convert your air suspension to a non air system. You will never have trouble with the suspension again, and its cheaper.