still clunking...

[uiuc240]

I still have clunks.  I don't know where they are coming from.  I'm going to try putting new tie rod ends on when I get an alignment, and see if that helps.  Does anyone know how to test a steering rack to see if it has internal problems?  Do they commonly wear out?  Wouldn't I feel it in the steering wheel if it was messed up??

The strange thing is that the clunks happen when either steering at high angles (low speeds in parking lots) or when going over speed bumps and stuff (and not turning).  And the even stranger thing is that I do NOT feel them in the steering wheel.  Just in the floorboards.  Only parts down there that aren't new are the tie rod ends and the steering rack and the hubs.  And I felt this BEFORE the suspension mods.  I thought the mods would fix it.  Nope.

Things it is NOT:

LCA bushings
Strut bearings
TC rod bushings
Ball joints
Sway bar bushings
Sway bar end links
Loose bolts

So all I'm left with is the tie rods and the rack.  But the thing is...I get no play when I lift the car and shake the wheels.  Everything is nice and tight.  And the car handles great.  Nothing weird.  It just clunks a lot.  I do NOT like it.

Ideas?  I just have a bad feeling that I'll get the tie rod ends and it STILL won't fix it (as they don't have any play and they seem to be working just fine and the boots aren't ripped).  Help!!!!

Eric

[240 2NR]

Maybe it's your car's way of saying mine is cooler.

Honestly I don't think you're going to find it until you can be under the car while the suspension is under load and you can turn the wheel.  Maybe when you go for an alignment the guys at the shop can help you locate it, or maybe they'll have a grease pit you can drive over.

[HippoSleek]

:baffled:

You've fixed everything I thing *could* cause it.  The thing I think interesting is that you don't feel it in the wheel.  Seeing as how all suspension stuff is usually felt though the wheel, I wonder?  Could a motor or tranny mount be at issue?  Or perhaps some aftermarket part contacting a suspension member in certain circumstances?

[uiuc240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (HippoSleek @ July 31 2002,08:01)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">:baffled:

You've fixed everything I thing *could* cause it. The thing I think interesting is that you don't feel it in the wheel. Seeing as how all suspension stuff is usually felt though the wheel, I wonder? Could a motor or tranny mount be at issue? Or perhaps some aftermarket part contacting a suspension member in certain circumstances?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Mark, good thoughts, but no. &nbsp;The mounts are good, and nothing clunks during acceleration (like a broken tranny/engine mount would). &nbsp;And nothing interferes. &nbsp;I think it's just the tie rod ends. &nbsp;I hope the outer ones do the trick. &nbsp;The inner ones are a bitch to work on. &nbsp;I'll be sure to post what happens after I get them on.

Oh, and my theory about why those are the issue: &nbsp;

The FSM says you're supposed to test them for swinging force and it's only supposed to be about 2-20 lbs. &nbsp;I know it took a LOT of force to get those to move around when I was working on the suspension. &nbsp;So I'm really thinking that's the issue. &nbsp;I hope. &nbsp;Now I just need to call the alignment shop (when I get some more $$&#036<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> and see if they want to just install them for me when they do the alignment. &nbsp;Seems like a logical plan if it's going to be at the shop anyway.

Thanks for the ideas, bros.

Eric