Check your sway bar links. I just had to have these replaced on my 2004 Tracker.
You can tell if the transmission, in your 1998 Chevy Malibu, is going bad. If there is a whining or clunking noise. The transmission might cause your engine to install when you are stopped with your foot on the brake.
loose or bad u joints.
Mine had a clicking noise and it turned out to be the front passanger side axle assembly.
If there is a clunking noise on a 1991 Firebird Formula 5.0 when going below 30 mph, and the clunking noise does not happen when the clutch is depressed, it is probably a problem with the flywheel. The flywheel moves freely when the clutch is depressed. When the clutch is not depressed, it could be that something is rubbing on the flywheel, like the clutch plate.
Worn out front shocks and struts will make a clunking noise when you go over small box. The strut may actually allows the tire to hit the fender well.
chiken
It COULD be a constant velocity joint (CV joint) going bad.
bad cv joint, bad wheel bearing or suspension or brake problems
tie rod
probably your rearend
You need struts
Bad shocks