Noise in steering.

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 03 Apr 2016, 16:28

Hi everyone. I've been trying to nail down where this noise is coming from in my steering for a couple days now. The symptom I'm getting is this very deep boom noise. It occurs during low speed driving as well as when the car is stationary and turned off. Moving the steering wheel while stationary with engine off I hear and feel it right after I encounter the first effort in unassisted turning in either direction. I can also duplicate the noise while shaking the car by hand vigorously from right to left. I checked the suspension including the strut towers and springs for binding and they move normally. Zero play in I/O tie rods on either side. End links were replaced recently and they are OK. Ball joints aren't moving either. Getting further in I'm not really sure how much if any play there is supposed to be on the steering shaft or pinion shaft. I haven't found a reference for that. To be more specific with the noise it is kind of similar to something overcoming resistance like a hydraulic jack settling slightly. Any advice, info or thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Paul.

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 04 Apr 2016, 17:10

After more troubleshooting I'm beginning to wonder if this might be a subframe issue. Getting the noise while entering and sitting down even.occasionally when weight or load are shifted on the car. Definitely coming from the left front and I can feel it by the pedals while driving. Tried feeling by hand on suspension and steering components while the car was shaken down vigorously on the ground which is hit or miss with replicating the noise, also listened with a stethoscope. Had the front end raised, no noise from steering. I've really gone through everything I could think of.I've scoured forums, watched YouTube and I am at a loss Has anyone had a similar issue, or have any idea of suspect components/areas to check?

Post by **dosbricks** » 04 Apr 2016, 18:44

PS78 wrote:I checked the suspension including the strut towers and springs for binding and they move normally.

When were the spring seats last replaced and with what brand?

Post by **kahl** » 04 Apr 2016, 18:53

I would get the front of the car up on Jack stands and remove wheels. With a long pry bar I would check the following:

1. Check the four sub frame mounts
2. Check the control arms where they attach to the frame
3. Check the ball joint at the control arm
4. Check the strut where it attaches to the spindal, are the two bolts tight
5. Spring seat damaged or worn
6. Steering rack loose
7. Check all engine mounts
8. Sway bar links

There really isn't that much to the front suspension of these cars. Are you getting any vibration while driving at various speeds?

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 04 Apr 2016, 19:12

Replaced about a year ago with OEM. The spring seats check out ok. The sound is a very deep resonance. I'm not getting any vibrations really. Glancing over the suspect list the only thing left is the subframe. I'm going to have to check that out tomorrow. I'm going to try to get my love!y car to duplicate the noise tomorrow and get some audio maybe that will help diagnose the issue. Thanks guys

Post by **kahl** » 04 Apr 2016, 20:15

Check your coils in the spring....broken spring