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Steering rack problem?

Posted: February 10th, 2006, 12:27 pm
by incogniro
Hey guys, first post on forums. In need of some advice, I've already replaced engine mount, CV joint and ball joints, and the problem is still here!
Basically when driving and going over bumps in the road, on the driver side front wheel there's a rattling sound coming from like the suspension or wheel. Had all this checked out and all the stuff done (above) but now the steering feels extremely light and the noise is still there. When the car is raised off the ground and the steering wheel rotated (swiftly) theres no noise. When the car is planted on the ground and the steering wheel rotated (slowly or quickly) the noise is there. A lot of the time while driving the front wheels feel like they aren't turning in the same direction together, though the underneath of the car has been fully checked out and given the all clear by multiple garages. Even when changing to second gear or when stationery and biting with the cluch quickly causes this noise.

Any ideas?

Posted: February 10th, 2006, 1:07 pm
by jaydog5678
Did you check the strut mounts?

Posted: February 10th, 2006, 2:56 pm
by incogniro
Thanks for the response, I've not checked I'll get a mechanic to take a look tommorow. I have noticed that when the car is left standing with the hand brake off and only when the front wheels are pointing straight. Hitting the driverside front wheel with my fist around the edge of the wheel rim (upper half) causes the noise too. Occasionally it is possible to pull and push the wheel while in this position and cause a little play (slight knocking sound). The thing is while jacked up it doesn't do it.

Strange or what?

Posted: February 18th, 2006, 11:06 pm
by rustyschopshop
You may want to check your thrush washers. Or if you are using coilovers, they are known to make noise when turning after the rubber bushing wear out.

Posted: February 19th, 2006, 1:55 am
by PATDIESEL
If you can shake the tire from top to bottom and it moves more than a tiny bit it might be the wheel bearings. Sounds like it anyay if it makes noise when you shake the top of the wheel under load.

Could be upper mounts like J-Dog said, or maybe even lower controll arm bushings are totally shot.
Take a common sense approach. It is something that connects the wheel to the car. So check all parts the come from the wheel and connect it to another pice of metal. Check that the part does not shake or move in a other than designed manner, check all bushings for decay or that they can be easily peeled away and that all bolts and nuts are tight (do not over tighten). You should be able to find a few spots for the mechanics to take a specific look at even if you don't find the exact problem. Ask if you can watch the mechanic work and ask the mechanic if he would explain what he is doing. You'll learn what he is doing and why and next time you can check it yourself. :)