steering knock

[saxguy09]

I've recently ran into numerous front suspension problems lately. One, I have a weird squeak when turning left at 35mph and under (sometimes it squeaks sometimes it doesn't). The strut mounts have very, very little play when pushing the wheel up by hand while in the air so I'm going to check the spring pads before I order parts. Is it possible that while turning the wheel the spring is scrubbing the shock.

Also, my new problem is a knock in the steering wheel when changing directions. I feels like its right behind the wheel and if someone gently holds up on the steering arm as it comes out of the firewall, it goes away, how do I fix this?

thanks

[Sagaris]

The later model cars (88+ I believe) have a two-piece steering shaft.


There is a 32mm nut which connects the two. To access it, all you need to do is remove the panel between the pedals and the knee-board, (the easily removable one). Snug that thing down real good and that should get rid of your steering clunk when changing directions.


As for the squeal, is it for sure not the power steering pump belt squealing?

[saxguy09]

huge help! thanks


as far as the steering, its not a belt squeal, more like a metal to metal kind of screetch

[z31maniac]

Best thing to do is get a small prybar/large flathead screwdriver and get under the car.

Use the prybar to put pressure on the ball joints/tie rods to check for looseness and play. That's where I'd start, also look at the flex disc in the steering shaft for play as well.

[Sagaris]

huge help! thanks


as far as the steering, its not a belt squeal, more like a metal to metal kind of screetch

The only thing that comes to mind for that is the possibility of the brake rotor heat shield being loose or bent and being allowed to make contact with the rotor when you turn.

[saxguy09]

found the problem today. the car was on the ground and i decided to have a look underneath at the spring. the PO installed bavauto springs up front and the two bottom coils are touching.

[Sagaris]

Thats the metal on metal sound then?

[saxguy09]

Thats the metal on metal sound then?

definitely

[Philo]

??? Lots of progressive springs have coils which stack on top of one another when the full load is applied, and they don't make any noise.

[saxguy09]

thats where the sounds coming from, the coils have rub marks on them as well..

[Philo]

Of course there are rub marks.

What top mounts are you using? I'm betting your top mounts are binding up, causing noise. Also, what do you mean that they have very little play?