i have an 89 civic and whenever i am braking or hit a hard bump, the front drivers suspension makes a clunking/popping noise. there is alot of play in the steering, and it's also very stiff turning-wise. the wheel also seems to have a bit more camber on that side.
any ideas on what it could be?

 

Who did the install? Was everything torqued to factory spec?

 

Do you have stock shocks? is it lowered? Tires Rims?

 

to me it sounds like the ball joints are worn out or the tie rod ends ... but i would bet on it being the ball joints

 

Probably time for new BJs as the others said. It would also not hurt to check the bushings in the upper shock mounts. If they are originals, it wouldn't hurt to replace them as they are now 14 years old.

 

oh, when i pushed down on the car, it makes a clunking sound.
if that helps any

 

Another possibility (after you check the ball joints and tie rods)... Check the two bolts that hold each of the radius rods to the front LCA. Sometimes they start to back out and the gap that forms allows some movement and knocking noise when they hit the LCA or bolt heads.

From what you described so far, there's probably more than one thing loose or worn. You should really go over the whole front end to be safe.