Sounds can travel in funny ways when you're sitting inside the car. Fix the loose side then see where you are - it might just fix it.

One way to check is have him hold the steering wheel firm while you grab the tire & try to "steer" it. While doing that, feel around the tie rod to see whether the looseness is the inner or outer balljoint of the tie rod. The reason to hold the steering wheel is to eliminate the clunk from the steering-column lock.

 

Thanks. I'll give that a try.

 

Looked at it again tonight. Definitely no play in the outer tie rod(s). Clunk definitely coming from where the inner rod. Still think this is a different issue from the axle in cold weather. I assume if I take the outer rod loose from the steering knuckle and give it a push-pull I should hear the knock if that's what it is?

 

Hi, I have had broken my cv joints twice without any warning so I worry a lot about these things. Scared to be honest.

What you explain is an early warning sign. You better get the ball joints checked if they are properly lubricated? Are they wearing out? Does your car also sways side to side on a humpy bumpy road? Is their any play in the tires? These are simple diagnostic checks that can tell you where the problem is actually and obviously CV joint is always there to be blamed...

As far as steering clunk goes, it might be the inner CV joint or ball joint.

 

You should be able to feel the "clunk" w/ somebody turning the steering while you touch the tie-rod arm. You would have to remove the boot (difficult in place) to eyeball the problem.

ericthecarguy has a good youtube video on inner ball jt replacement.

good luck