why does my steering wheel make clunking noises when i turn

It could be a bad bearing in the steering column. If the steering is loose, it could be a bad U joint in the linkage to the rack.

also check your tie rods, etc, by lifting front up and trying as hard as you can to make both tires wobble at all. make sure that its not going to fall or roll away whilein the air

@tenspeed..Is replacing the bearing in the steering column expensive?

are you sure it is the steering wheel and not a wheel spindle/bearing? JAck the front of the car up and see if there is any play when you pull in/out on the tire with your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock.

expect, with a suburban, for it to be all of the following, pitman arm, idler arm, and all 4 tie rod ends. and with 4x4, be prepared to pay about least 175 for the pitman itself, because of the design, plus an alignment