I just had a new set of rubber installed all around, and as anyone should do after, without fail, is get a wheel alignment. So I had that done. On the same day while driving home, I hear a 'clunk' sound now and again from the front driver's side as I'm turning corners. Now, mind you, this clunk hadn't been happening before the alignment.

I am very familiar with the feel and sound of this noise because maybe 2 years ago now I had to have the right lower control arm (which includes the ball joint as one piece) replaced. Once the shape of the joint is no longer round to match the lower end of the strut, that's what will cause this sound and there's not much that can be done except to replace the thing.

I do remember while the car was on the hoist, one of the mechanics was sitting in a chair underneath the front driver's side, tapping on a few things. I had to stay out of the garage, so I couldn't see exactly what it was, but I would guess it was in that area.

Anyway, it seems more than a coincidence that this has now started to happen. Now my question is, how do I prove that they did it?

I can see I will need to get that arm replaced, but then it's going to need another alignment... argh!

 

you can't really. but i don't see how an alignment would do mess up your ball joint unless theres another underlying issue.

on a separate note, i get an alignment every time i hit a pothole. lifetime alignment ftw.

 

I know this is kinda old but did you ever figure out the problem?