tomservo291

This is probably an easy one to pin, but I just want to make sure since I'm no mechanic.

When turning at very low speeds (like 1-5mph at most,) i.e. getting into parking spaces etc, or at a complete stop, i get popping sounds ... now I'm assuming that this is the tie rods?

If i'm correct, how can I determine if it's the inner/outer or both that need to be replaced? And.. is there an estimate on how much the parts/labor would cost for this.

On a side note, this noise was non-existant until shortly after I changed my brakes. Is it possible all that torquing on the calipers/torque member could have damaged the tie rods? I had a hell of a time getting them off initially, the previous time they had probably been put on with some air tools. Had to use a 3' pipe for leverage.

Any input you have is greatly appreciated!

kenju4u

cant say. Explain where it is coming from and how fast or slow does it happen?

NetFurie

could be a bad strut bearing. It'll make popping noises if you're turning the wheel to extremes (ie. parking)

Micah95GLE

Yeah, sounds like strut bearings. I had the low-speed popping noise when turning the wheel when I first got my SE. I had new strut bearings put in when I had the aftermarket suspension installed and the noise is gone.

MrPink

Stabilizer links will also make a popping noise during parking, check to see if the joints on the stabilizer links have any play. To check for tie rods raise the front wheels off the ground and shake the wheel side to side and feel for play. To check the strut bearings have the car on the ground (need weight on the bearings)and have somebody turn the wheel while you hold your hand on the top of the strut tower,sometimes you can feel the clicking.

MrPink

Oh and if you had a hard time unbolting the caliper itself you might want to check if the calipers have any play also, you might have bad caliper bushings.

tomservo291

well my problem was they were very very tight, but the two bolts/pins that hold on the caliper were in pristine condition, still had very clean and good working grease on them... if that's what you're talking about. they moved very freely when I checked them during the brake change.

to check the strut bearing, where is the "strut tower" located? that seems to be the easiest thing to check first before it goes on stands

and, where are the joints for the "stabilizer link," a simple answer should suffice, I'm pretty good at finding things if I've got an idea of what/where they are

sorry for all the questions, but tie rods/suspension components aren't something I've really had to deal with as of yet on my cars

MrPink

The stut tower is under the hood where the strut bolts to the body

MaxedOutOfCash

i had the same thing & it ended up being that my passenger side axle was bad....

PTownMax

iTrader: (5)

had same problem, ended up being a pivot bushing between my spring and fender

tomservo291

Seems like there is quite a few things this could be, I've got a feeling I can't really rule all these things out myself. I may as well head over to meineke and have them take a looksee.

How much did you all end up having to pay to have these various problems fixed?

Micah95GLE

I don't know, since I was having the suspension taken apart and replaced anyway. The strut bearings are cheap parts (one for each side).

NetFurie

if it is the strut bearing, it'll cost about $40 for the part. You have to take apart the assembly to get at it though. You can do it yourself if you have spring compressors or pay pepboys about $75 for the labor.