What is the cause of the clunking noise in my front passenger suspension?

Question

I have a 2008 Infiniti G35. I recently lost control in the rain and drifted into a curb while my wheels were turned to the left.

What I have noticed about my suspension and steering: 
     My front passenger wheel became misaligned. Steering wheel is harder to turn at higher speeds (25+ mph). After conducting a harmless test in a nearby parking lot, I heard a clunking noise from front passenger area when making sharp left and right turns at low to medium speeds (10-20+ mph). I hear the same noise when driving over bumps and when pressing the breaks hard to transfer the vehicles weight to the front. 
*In any situation, the clunking noise ONLY comes from the front passenger area*What I have done so far:      I have replaced almost every component in my front passenger suspension with parts that are mostly used but in great condition (strut assembly, steering knuckle/spindle assembly, lower control arm, brand new outer tie rod, and I bought a new set of rims).I did NOT replace my sway bar link (it does have some play though), inner tie rod, or  my upper control arm because it wasn't damaged after hitting the curb. What can be causing the clunking noise, based off of the test I conducted?*Note: Before answering, understand that I have already taken my car to a mechanic. The only thing they told me was that I had a bent strut and lower control arm, which I was already aware of. Waste of $105. They didn't tell me anything about the condition of my sway bar links or tie rods.*

Dan · Accepted Answer

Sounds like you may have left a suspension bushing bolt loose. Also, when you replace any rubber mounted arms all the through bolts must be tightened up with the wheels on the ground. The rubber centered bushings must be allowed to flex across center as the suspension moves up and down.
You also probably had the caliper bracket off during the swap, double check to make sure it's tight.
And yeah, you already know the end-links are bad.

Anonymous · Answer

Tie rods are loose/have excessive play.  Look at installation again,  Suspect a bad steering knuckle.

thebax2006 · Answer

Replace the sway bar link. You know it has play and it's the first thing to check when you have a clunk in a suspension. 
Since you installed used parts you can't trust them. 
Find a mechanic with a good set of "chassis ears" and he will install the equipment and try to find the noise if it's still there after you replace the links..

What is the cause of the clunking noise in my front passenger suspension?

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