I have a 03 sunfire and I have been known to drive it pretty hard. It has 95k on it and I want to fix a problem that I have had with it for awhile. Whenever I turn it makes this weird grinding/clunking noise. At slow turns or turns where you dont turn the wheel that much, it makes no noise. If you make a 90 degree turn tho you get the sound, with it getting worse if you go faster. I would like to figure out whats bad with it so I can fix it, but I dont really have the cash to play guessing games replacing stuff. Any help is greatly appreciated

On another note, I heard that the ecotecs need their timing belt replaced around 100k, and I wanted some more info on if this is necessary. It seems pretty stupid to make a part under the timing cover not last longer then the car, but who knows.

Sounds like your half-shaft that puts the power to the wheels had gone May also be known as axle shaft in some places. If you look underneath at the rubber boots that cover each end of the two shafts you'll probably find one or more of them split. Once thet lets in the dirt and grit it doesn't take long. Make a hard, slow turn and whichever way the grinding is happening, that's the side that's gone. You can do it yourself I did one on a toyota but there are easier jobs
Phil

iirc the ecotec runs on a timing chain, not a belt. it doesn't need replacing or maintainance. it only needs replacement when it goes bad and that doesn't happen often with chain-driven engines. timing belts, in contrast, do have to be change periodically because they wear out. the ecotec is not the only gm small engine to run on a chain. the older 2.2L and 2.4L also run on a timing chain, compared to most 4 cyl. asian engines (honda, toyota, hyundai, mitsu, etc.) that run on a timing belt.

Probably not an axle. More likely a wheel bearing.

are you lowered?big rims?
i had it on my s10 when i turned sharp the tire would rub the a arm.
maybe just feel the inside of your tire to see if its worn down?just a suggestion.

If you can take a look at the front sway bar or a mechanic look at it and check out the sway bar bushing they may have rotted or cracked. The symptoms you described sound like the same thing that happened to people that bring cars in to my dealorship all the time espeacially durig the winter months when they become easily brittle.

My old ,work van had similar symtoms and had about 80k on it and it was my tie rods they were shot not uncommon. if it lowered it speeds up the wear and tear given the added strain but check ur tie rod ends. like i said my work van had that same noise and boy was that van beat had atleast 3 drives before me, but the noise stopped after a tie rod and ends were swapped.