when i have the steering wheel turned fully locked or close to fully locked in either direction there is a noticeable clunk that comes from the suspension. this typically happens pulling into or out of a parking spot etc.
any ideas on what may cause this??

 

This is in the front suspension I assume? My first guess would be a balljoint or a bad tie rod. Does it sound like it's coming from the left/right/middle of the car? It would help us to know.

 

most often the left front, but i believe it happens on the passenger side as well.

 

Well there is a natural "thud" when you go lock-to-lock on any car with a rack and pinion, but this is a "clunk". Have you changed tire or rim sizes recently? I am leaning toward one of the steering rods. (4 in all) Have a friend or relative turn the wheel as you watch underneath. If the clunk is that audible in the cabin, it should be even more noticable under the nose.

 

would the rod be broken, cracked, bent? what am I looking for exactly?

 

Well you would be looking for anything that might be loose and hitting the other part of the suspension or car. And if it's the steering rack or rods, look for loose or bent joints. I've seen joints and rods so worn out that the ball was actually seperated from the rod! First narrow the sound down and the general area. when you have that down, you will know the search area to comb. The repair manuals also list this as one of their q and a's in the diagnostic section, if I'm not wrong. Might wanna check there too.

 

i'm having that same problem!! its pissin me off!