'95 Steering Popping

Hey Guys,
Never posted here but love the site, thanks for all the info you provide.

I have a 95 SE with a 3.1L with about 89k miles. There is an intermittent problem with the steering, for some reason more pronounced in reverse, but there is some popping when I turn the wheel. With the car on jacks, I cannot find or feel anything loose or worn. I thought I saw some movement in an outer tie rod, replaced them both just in case but problem still exists. Just wondering if there is a common problem perhaps in the steering column itself.

I'm pretty sure i had the exact same problem you are referring to on my 95 SE coupe when it had like 120k or so. I would back up and then when i would shift to drive and straighten out it would pop on the driver side(sounded terrible) Unfortunately i cant remember what the piece was called bcuz it was a while ago as i dont even have that car now. I will my ask my neighbor who fixed it..it was right behind the rotor.

I will my ask my neighbor who fixed it..it was right behind the rotor.

your prolly thinking of a CV joint? sounds like this MAY be the problem, idk if that would cause a "popping" noise though. it could be many things...ball joint, tie rod, upper stut mount....blah blah...

More than likely it is the cv joint that is popping. When you are rolling backwards and shift into drive, the play in the joint comes out of it and pops when it connects. When a cv joint gets old, it forms play in it. That allows the transmission to turn and not lock in immediately like it should, so it pops when it locks into the cv axle. I would have it checked however to make sure that you don't waste any money on fixing the wrong part.

Got a 96 Grand AM that does this popping. When ever I let of the gas and then get back on it, it will pop like this. Also from a stop and then shift into drive it will also do this. It is most likely your CV shaft. That's what mine is.