Hey all, 2003 Mazda B3000. 2wd.

I bought the truck with 170k last august and it’s been quite the experience. I’ve learned a lot about vehicle maintenance owning it. When I bought it, it had a front left “clunk / pop” that would only occur on rare occasions, only turning left. This would usually happen when turning onto a slight lip in the road. I thought nothing of it. Steering is fine, bought new tires, got an alignment.

throughout the winter, the noise went away completely.

about a month ago, noise came back in full force and now I can FEEL the clunk/pop under my left foot. It still happens when turning left but the sound can be heard when doing just about anything.

so needless to say, I did my own checking under there. Ball joints and tie rods have nearly zero give, control arms look dated but seem functional but wasn’t too sure so I got it professionally diagnosed. Lifted the truck up, gave the wheels a wiggle (or at least tried to) and zero play as there should be, lol. Spun the wheels, no noise, rolls great with no strange tightness.

“Ball joints and tie rods look fine. We’re they replaced at some point? Suspension is worn out though” Is the answer I got from the mechanic.

so I bought mid-grade shock absorbers and replaced both on the front end. The clunk/pop didn’t get worse or better so it’s not the shocks.

what could this problem be? I know I’m not crazy, mechanics can’t figure it out and I’m afraid if I wait any longer I’ll really damage something on the truck.