1995 Trans Sport Front End Noise

I have a '95 Trans Sport with 224,000 miles on it and since 85,000 miles the front end has been making a popping, cracking thudding noise when turning the steering wheel that we (2 dealerships and 2 independent repair shops) haven't been able to track down. They have replaced the inner and outter tie rod ends, ball joints, struts with no improvement. They have all said that it isn't the cv joints because the noise is there with the van sitting still and just turning the steering wheel. The noise is driving me crazy and I hope that someone has a solution.

Also, how do you change or even get to the lighting for the heater/ac controls. The one that backlights the icons no longer works and it is hard to see what you are pushing after dark.

Thanks in advance for any help on either of these items.

Chuck

There was a recall on the '96 trans sport on the rack and pinion. We had it and it made that weird cracking, clicking noise when turning the wheel. Could it be that on your '95 too?

it is a cv joint. When they get ready to blow apart, they will make noise whether driving or sitting still. With as long as you've been driving it that way, I'm suprised it hasn't blown apart yet. There is a chance it could be a rack and pinion going bad also, they will clunk when the lower pinion gear starts to go. As far as you heater control lighting, you have to pull the heater control out, and the bulb should be on the bottom of the unit, gm part# 16050896. I could not find an aftermarket # listed (like wagner or sylvania) so it may be a dealer only bulb, unless you can match it up at Advance/A-zone

As similar problem occurred with our 95, particularly on the left side. The mechanic had the vehicle lifted and found out it was a mounting bolt on the steering rack that needed tightening, thereby eliminating any rack movement. than ended the problem. Good Luck. Other than that, we replaced a slightly 'sloppy' tie rod on the opposite side.

Stuart1003

it is a cv joint. When they get ready to blow apart, they will make noise whether driving or sitting still. With as long as you've been driving it that way, I'm suprised it hasn't blown apart yet. There is a chance it could be a rack and pinion going bad also, they will clunk when the lower pinion gear starts to go. As far as you heater control lighting, you have to pull the heater control out, and the bulb should be on the bottom of the unit, gm part# 16050896. I could not find an aftermarket # listed (like wagner or sylvania) so it may be a dealer only bulb, unless you can match it up at Advance/A-zone

I have looked and can't see how to pull the heater control out, are there hidden fasteners? Thanks!

I went and looked at the part. As far as I can see, there is only two screw hoding it in. One on the upper right, and one in the center on the bottom.