Overly responsive steering

Hey everyone,

I've replaced my inner tie rods on both sides to pretty excessive slop (and trying to track down a "knock" in the front suspension). I was sure the tie rod ends would solve the knock, but it hasn't. Now I've got a new issue.

I noticed first, but thought it might have been just me. Now my wife has mentioned it as well. Since the inner tie rod swapout, if you go over a bump or into a driveway any other way than straight on, the wheel seems to jerk right then left (or vice versa). I realize that some amount of jerk will be expected due to say, the left tire hitting the bump first. In this scenario, you'd expect the wheel to go left and then right. This does that, but with much more vigor than it used to.

My hypothesis is that perhaps the slop in the tie rod ends lessened the degree to which I felt the jerk.

An alternative hypothesis I would like to run by you is that my shocks may be shot. Would bad struts cause this symptom?

I've replaced the inner and out tie rod end links, the rack/pinion was replaced around 2 years ago and the sway bar end links were replaced in the last 6 months. The suspension bushings don't appear overly worn out. I am still trying to track down this knock and hopefully the shocks will be the source of both the knock and the sensitive steering.

Anyone got any thoughts/advice?

Mark

This might be a good issue to have checked out by a qualified mechanic.
There are folks on this forum who are experienced in this sort of thing.......and could (in person) know right off if things are OK or not.
I do not feel that I am experienced enough.....and take my vehicle in about 1 time a year for a good checking over.
Over the years.......my local shop catches things before they wear enough for me to notice when I am driving.
Of course.....the trick is to find a competent and honest mechanic.......but when you do......stick with them.....and they will save you money in the long run.....at least if you are one who likes to hang onto a vehicle for a long time.

While I haven't had this problem, I've heard of worn upper strut mounts causing clunking sounds.

I replaced the struts in my '00 Windstar myself. You've already handled inner and outer tie rods; I suspect you'll have no problem replacing struts.

Here are some pics of my strut replacement project. I've added some useful notes to the pictures; read them and learn from my experience:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560513401mTnRfu

Note that I didn't replace the upper mounts; they looked fine and I've had no problems since then. In your case, I'd plan on replacing the mounts, just to be sure.