Suspension/Steering Rack Problem

mlakey

New Member
May 24, 2006
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I am the owner of a 2004 GT. I have had the car lowered, and have also installed new bumpsteer, X2 Balljoints, off-set rack bushings, and caster camber plates (all Steeda parts) to help improve suspension geometry. Recently I have noticed a "popping noise" that is comming from the front end when I turn the steering wheel. I think that it may be the steering rack or the wheel/brake assembly. Any suggestions on what may be causing this aweful noise and how I can go about fixing it?
 
My guess is that your rack bushings are your problem. If you have the stock K-member then you should not use offset rack bushings. Just get some centered ones from MM or elsewhere. The rack is what is creaking IMO. Here's what MM has to say about rack bushings:

"We don't recommend offset rack bushings for stock K-Members ...

Offset steering rack bushings move the rack far too much on stock K-Members, and make an acceptible situation far worse than if you had done nothing at all. See our test results in the July 1993 issue of Super Ford, the September 1998 issue of 5.0 Mustang, or call our tech line for more details."

That is for THEIR aluminum offset bushings but that's what I'm basing my opinion on.