Possible issue with steering linkage?

[drop360]

The best way I can describe the symptoms that I've been experiencing, is that it feels like a loose headset on a bicycle (if any of you are into cycling). There is a loose/clunk sensation coming through the steering wheel during slow speed turning (I feel it most often when pulling into parking spaces).

 

[kwaits92]

I don't even necessarily feel mine either. I just hear it, at first I thought I scraped my lip and it was flopping around.

 

[genericmoniker]

I believe I might actually have the same problem as you folks, at first I thought it was my tie-rod endlinks, but I hear the noise even while I'm not turning the wheel.

I'm checking my subframe tomorrow to make sure the bolts are still torqued, as it sounds more like something moving that shouldn't be moving. It might not even be related to any issues you guys are experiencing, just throwing it out there.

 

[caloyski5]

i also had a smiliar sound. replicated when i move the steering wheel left to right repeatedly at half turn. what the service center did was re-lubricate the linkage part of the steering wheel with grease. reason being that the thai factory where my car was from used thinner grease. problem never came back and it had been 2 years +

 

[kwaits92]

Yeah. I've seen that being a common issue in many cars. And lubing the linkage fixes it for awhile.

 

[kamui157]

I probably need this fix as fast steering inputs will make the clunking noises. Thanks!

 

[dqniel]

My steering makes a clunk when I turn the wheel after it's been sitting long enough to be cold. Never thought much of it. Perhaps I should have it looked at.

 

[genericmoniker]

I went ahead and re-torqued all the nuts/bolts attached to the front subframe, and threw some grease on all the pivoting parts & rubber bushings. So far, no noises.

 

[BigBlueDart]

Good to know. I've got a long drive coming up next week, so I'll probably take some time this weekend to do the same.

 

[genericmoniker]

Mind you, my noises didn't always happen during steering input. Sometimes it would be just after I'd move the wheel, sometimes it would be while I'm in a turn. Only at low speed though, and having put it through it's paces for another hour, I can confirm I haven't heard any of those noises again.

 

[BigBlueDart]

That really sounds a lot like what I've got. I'll get under my car on Saturday with a wrench and some grease and see if it fixes me, too.

 

[skullsroad]

I get the sound too and I always figured it was the linkage on the shaft that connects to the steering wheel. I might take a look at it tomorrow.

 

[caloyski5]

just for everyone's fyi, guys in the philippines also had a front suspension noise knocking/thudding sound in the front suspension which also emanates to the steering wheel. we complained about it to the service centers and eventually, they came up with an "improved" rack and pinion which is basically the same but has additional bushings. replaced mine free of charge. i would say sound imrpoved 75% and would only be felt and heard on really really bad roads

 

[kwaits92]

Hmmm. Wonder what the best angle is on this issue. Just go on there complaining about the issue and direct them to it possibly being that.

 

[BigBlueDart]

The best way I can describe the symptoms that I've been experiencing, is that it feels like a loose headset on a bicycle (if any of you are into cycling). There is a loose/clunk sensation coming through the steering wheel during slow speed turning (I feel it most often when pulling into parking spaces).

Okay, I went ahead and lubed a few places while I was under there yesterday, but I don't think it's going to help. You described pretty well what my issue is, and I'm thinking that it's the steering column or rack and pinion. I don't think I'm going to bother taking it in unless it starts getting a lot more noticeable. This is probably an issue that is really a non-issue. Like you said, it's only noticeable when turning at slow speeds.

 

[ddawson]

Add another that's having the issue. Really noticeable in the parking gauge. It feels kind of like a steering bind.

Didn't do it new. Now that it has 12,000 miles are starting to feel it at speed hitting say expansion joints. Kind of like cowl shake on a convertible.

I guess it's time to take it to the dealer.

 

[ddawson]

Back from the Dealership. They said there was a TSB in it.

They checked all the bolt to be sure, but the fix was the clean and re grease the steering column with a special grease. It worked but for how long is the question.

 

[eyeballs]

After reading this thread, I realized I've got the same thing going on too. It's just so mild I never really worried about it. Almost always when pulling out of the parking garage after work, or the driveway in the morning. I wonder if a car with an aftermarket front swaybar, struts, and springs would quality for the "fix."

 

[inspekt]

I'm in the same camp as Eyeballs - barely perceptible. I only experience it under the same conditions. I have never noticed anything at speed, myself.

 

[kwaits92]

That's how mine started. But now when I drive on a dirt road it's a constant rattle from the column. Mine is the same issue, I thought it was my sway bar but I checked all the links.