Alright, so I replaced a strut a day or so ago (bearing was gone and strut was shot, so got all sorts of noises before). Now I'm noticing a few pops while cranking the wheel over and going slowly, more pronounced when I'm on the brakes.

From awhile ago I remember Vlasic saying that he had a similar experience and it was actually the threads from the tie rod skipping when he was turning the wheel. Eventually his tie rod popped out entirely, and he basically had to replace the entire rack (how'd that go?)

So, I got out of the car and wiggled the tie rods around. Both of them rotated pretty freely (even though the noise is only coming from the passenger side).

I've noticed some strange steering behavior as well, but my alignment is off considerably. Sometimes when I hit a bump the car will kind of jump in one direction and I'll have to correct.

So. Inner tie rods? And if so, should I just replace the whole tie rod assembly while I'm at it? Will there be damage to the rack? Etc... I've recently just spent a crapload on suspension parts and still have more stuff I need to fix lined up. I really don't want to have to replace the steering rack on my ABS-equipped Max.

 

Sounds like the strut mount is binding. Put your hand on the strut spring and have someone turn the wheel all the way left and then all the way right(if it can fit without getting jambed). If you can feel the spring jump then the mount or spring may be in the wrong position.

 

I highly doubt it's in the wrong position, the insulator and bearing were both replaced 2 days ago. However I'll see if I can hold onto the spring or something.

Cmon guys, one response?

 

There's NO ONE that has anything else to say about the subject?

 

I had the same faint popping noise when turning, but mine ended up being a strut bearing. Little plastic piece of ****.

 

I JUST replaced the strut bearing TWO DAYS ago. I don't think it's that.

Come on guys. Any gurus who could give me a pointer?