BLCKMAX

iTrader: (2)

So here is the deal ... I recently bought a 97 Rosewood SE 5 speed fully loaded stock w/ 254k (yea I know ) Car is decent shape considering the year and milage. The only thing there are a few issues with the front suspension, maybe ... Whenver I turn the steering wheel in either direction it makes this weird noise ... sort of clunk as if 2 rubber parts are rubbing onto each other ... from what I've read that could be the strut bearing. The other issue is when going over 40 mph the steering wheel starts moving by itslef, (like it has a life of its own ) So I have to oversteer ... Once again, from what I've read this could be due to the ball joints? Any comments? And lastly ... If these are the problems, then should I completly replace my whole front suspension? or should I replace the front and the back ... If so, I was thinking of H&R with Tociko Illuminas ... The only thing I don't know is how would the ride turn out? I've never drove anything but stock ...

Any recommendations are always appreciated ... Thank you in advance

Always thankful to the .org:

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Have you not looked at the front end to check the condition of all bushings and balljoints?

The first could very well be the strut mount.

As for the second, is it moving side to side at speed? Are the front tires balanced? Have you moved the front tires to the rear to see if that has any effect on the problem?

BLCKMAX

iTrader: (2)

I had the tie rods and bushings replaced ... I'm just not to sure what else it could be? as well as the tires being balanced

Kico

It could be the ball joint as well as the axles. I am hearing a clicking noise on my car and i got it checked out and they said that it was my am axles. I hear it to when i turn my wheel back and forth either direction. A few years back my tires were out of balance and my steering wheel would shake and pull to one side. so i got them balanced and it my wheel stopped shaking and pulling in one direction.

BEJAY1

iTrader: (19)

While parked and somebody else steering can you isolate the location of the rubbing/clunk? As for the 40mph how does the alignment read? I've seen nasty toe do things like that.

brandnew

iTrader: (5)

i recently just had the same issues i replaced the control arms, inner and outer tie rods, and sway bar links, then had an alignment now the car rides like new.... my guess would be controls arms or maybe the strut mount...

loxety

I had that issue a few months back where the car would steer itself.. the solution was to replace both control arms. I just got the cheap ones from autozone. If you get the work done at a shop it seems like its a better deal to just replace the whole control arm instead of all the bushings.

If it feels like there is major wind blowing on the front of the car its most likely tie rods.

If the steering wheel is wobbly then its most likely tire balance.

if the the car steers in one direction then most likely alignment