Cracking noise from the front suspension.

[rudeone707]

Yesterday when i was backing into my garage i noticed a cracking noise coming from the front when i turn the steering wheel. If i turn the wheel when i am stationary or moving very slowly i hear the noise, but when i am driving it either doesnt happen or i cant hear it. What can this be.

 

[Rootus]

Odds are that it's your steering rack bushings. Pick up some urethane ones ($17), takes about 20 minutes to install.

Dave

 

[rudeone707]

If i check to make sure thats the problem what should i be looking for??

 

[Rootus]

If i check to make sure thats the problem what should i be looking for??

Have someone turn the wheels while you're down in front looking at the rack. You'll notice that it's moving quite a bit (1/4 - 1/2"). The stock rubber bushings are probably worn out. I had exactly the symptoms you describe, and replacing the bushings solved the problem for me.

Dave

 

[rudeone707]

Thanks man, i just ordered the bushings and they tlod me that i would have those bushings tommorrow. Even if its not the problem its always better to replace old parts. Will chiltons tell me everything i need to know when replacing this?

 

[Mrgreen94gt]

I have the same sound but I already have polyurethane rack bushings. I think mine may be due to the tie rod on that side, since the dust boot is busted. That might be something to check.

 

[Rootus]

Will chiltons tell me everything i need to know when replacing this?

Not sure, I didn't bother with Chilton's . It's straightforward:

1) Put the car on ramps or stands
2) Unbolt the rack
3) Pull the front and rear bushings out, and the metal sleeve
4) Reinstall with new bushings, lubicrating everything

It's quite easy. There's enough play in the rack to get the bushings out without having to undo anything but the rack bolts themselves. That's the only thing that worried me before I did it, and it turned out to be a non-issue.

Mrgreen94gt is right about checking the tie rods. IIRC, they shouldn't wear out normally, but if the dust boot is ripped they will.

Dave

 

[rudeone707]

I have the same sound but I already have polyurethane rack bushings. I think mine may be due to the tie rod on that side, since the dust boot is busted. That might be something to check.

What should i check on the tie rod end? I want to make sure nothing breaks and send me straight into a phone poll.

 

[rudeone707]

Not sure, I didn't bother with Chilton's . It's straightforward:

1) Put the car on ramps or stands
2) Unbolt the rack
3) Pull the front and rear bushings out, and the metal sleeve
4) Reinstall with new bushings, lubicrating everything

It's quite easy. There's enough play in the rack to get the bushings out without having to undo anything but the rack bolts themselves. That's the only thing that worried me before I did it, and it turned out to be a non-issue.

Mrgreen94gt is right about checking the tie rods. IIRC, they shouldn't wear out normally, but if the dust boot is ripped they will.

Dave

Dave, I tried to do the R&P bushings this weekend and i couldnt get the old ones out. Do you know what i could do?