steering noise and sloppyness

[Mystic1350]

so when driving down the highway and near the middle barrier, any slight turn in the steering wheel i hear a real fast clicking, almost like a bird tweeting continuously...you can hear the sound immediately when i turn the wheel to the right and after 1 second after turning the wheel to the left. the steering has been feeling sloppy for a while now and have more than ever heard this noise.

any idea what can be causing this? worn out steering gear? i know our shafts can go bad but would it cause this noise?

things to consider:
-car is a 96 with 87k on the body/chassis..
-when car was lowered, did not replace sway bar bushings, however looking at them they appear to be ok.
-i have also had a recent alignment and tires have not weared abnormally one bit.

any insight is greatly appreciated

thanks

 

[trombonedemon]

Might be time to replace the Balljoints an Steering Rack Bushings. Go look at the Rag joint on the steering shaft, its made rubber and possible could be cause of your Steering wheel slack.

Had the same clicking noise when my A-Arm Ball Joints started to give.

**Oh by the way if thats the case better to by the A arm with the ball joint all ready in it, you gonna curse and kick little babies trying to get that joint out.

The power steering is an hydraulic pump and I'm sure it has some type of metal bearings, that could the squeaking, hard to say without being there to diagnose and watching.

Usally, from what I have been reading when the rack and pinion starts to go, you will hear a grinding noise as you turn the wheel.

Just some things to consider and rule out.

 

[Maxpowers]

I would attempt to re-created the noises while the car is sitting still. If you can, get the car on a lift or jack stands and turn the wheel back and forth with someone under the car looking.

Sounds like a ball joint IMO, but that's just from your description.

This video was posted by another member, and really shows the slop in mustang steering:
2002 Mustang GT steering rack bushings - YouTube

 

[Mystic1350]

i should have added that the ball joints were replaced approx. 5k miles ago which eliminated a different sound....my belief it is in the steering rack/hydraulic pump, just not sure what to do!

 

[Maxpowers]

Make a video if you can. Not sure what sounds you are hearing.

 

[blkstanger]

Have you checked the wheel bearings? Check the brake calipers for looseness?