2003 Cav, popping noise

I have a 2003 cavalier, and it is in the shop all of the time. It is now making a popping noise under my feet. It happens every time I hit a bump, use the brakes, and turn right. Has anyone encounter this? I think is might be my steering rack. I just had it replaced a month ago, but I think it still might be that. The dealership has no idea. If this has happen to you, please help.

OK.. if it is that again and you just had it fixed.. trust me the mechanic did not replace it. he's playing you for a fool.. I recommend takin it to a few different shops and gettin a diagnosis.. and if that's what it is, then take it bake to the orginal guy who fixed it and raise hell literally.. cause it should not go bad in a month!! then after he fixes(which if that's what it is he should do it for free) find yourself a new mechanic.. I'm sorry i cant tell you what it was.

sounds like the steering shaft is popping, your dealer has a bulletin on it and should be able to fix it, it is covered under warranty, replacing the steering rack may have temporarily fixed the problem because the steering shaft would have been moved while replacing the rack

FCFFUZZYFACE

Thanks for the reply. I told the dealership to look at the rack again, but they haven't. My car goes in next week for the third time on this problem. Only 1 more time and then it is a lemon. My car has spent 29 days in the shop in the last year so I am hoping for the lemon law. Thanks for telling me what it is. Now it will be interesting to see if the dealership and figure it out.

I have an 04 Cav - nice looking car, but it developed a "popping", or more like a "thunk" sound whenever I turned right or left. took off, etc. Dealer twice replaced the tranny mount, but the problem sound keeps returning after a few hundred miles. Either that wasn't the problem in the firat place, or it's being repaired with defective parts. I'll have to have them look at the rack, though...
You'd think that after associating with Toyota, Isuzu and Suzuki, GM would've learned a thing or two about quality control. I'll bring the dang thing to the dealer again to 'fix it', but I'll leave a copy of the state Lemon Law on the front seat.

The popping noise is due to a motor/transmission mount failure. This is covered under warranty and there is a technical bulletin issued to correct the problem. I don't have the TB number with me right now, but ask the dealership to search for the TB...it takes them throught the steps.

Thanks for the tip - I got a copy of the TSB and procedure, and I'm willing to bet that the techs aren't following it quite exactly. After three replacements and the condition remains, I have to assume that either 1. The installment of the part is not followed exactly as outline by the TSB or 2. The replacement part(s) are also defective or 3. The problem lies elsewhere. Fiat solved this problem in 1974...
One would think after several years of a model run, plus close association with Toyota, Isuzu and Suzuki, GM would have better QC. I think I''ll have to trade up to a '84 Honda Civic.

i just got an 03 with 9k miles and it has a very slight shudder at highway speeds. it seems to be on the passenger side front and there is a slight clunk with the shudder

Given your description of the events that trigger the noise, It sounds very much like a badly worn ball joint.