Steering Wheel Pop/Clunk

[MineralGT281]

I've been having this issue which only happens at low speeds or when stopped. As I drive slow on a turn and as the wheel gets back to center it sounds like a little clunk or subtle low volume banging noise that you hear in the car and feel in the wheel. I can also feel it when parked and turning the wheel quickly left and right a little off center as I turn. It feels like its right by the steering wheel sometimes, others further down the steering shaft.

Brand new Moog outer tie rods 3 months ago and my friend said the ball joints were good before the alignment. The noise has been there for a while, it's not consistant and sometimes I won't hear it for days.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[mransr]

clean and re-torque the rack mounting bolts, make sure you clean the mounting surfaces too....I know it sounds weird but you would be surprised how often that works

 

[MineralGT281]

I do remember seeing a TSB about that, but I thought it was more of a squeak/creak? I got Urethane rack bushings anyway since they were only $10 that will be put in.

I do have another clue, I can duplicate the the pop/contact noise at the steering wheel by pulling up and down on it. None of the surrounding plastic is loose, is there a bushing or anything that can get loose on or around the steering wheel right there?

Thanks.