front end still popping

[ksvtwin]

was wondering if anyone could give some advice. i have a '99 alero and the front end "pops". it has only 60,000 miles on it. I was told that it could be the upper spring mounts and bearings. i replaced those and it still does it. it only pops when the steering wheel is turned severely to the right or left. then when you start straightening the wheels and accelerate slightly, it will "pop" usually once. it does not sound like a cv joint because it only pops once and the car is such low mileage don't you think? I checked the sway bar bushings and they look fine. doesn't seem to be any play anywhere. thanks for the help, Kent

[jamcllw]

The only thing that I've ever heard of popping up front on Alero's is the strut mount bearing plate. If you've replaced those I have no idea what it could possibly be except for maybe a cv joint.

[ksvtwin]

another post i saw said it could be the front stabilizer bar insulators?? i guess that's the sway bar bushings that attach to the frame? but they look fine to me. maybe the steering rack is loose?? i'll check these things. if anyone else has any ideas, let me know. thanks, Kent

[JTrujillo86]

I have about 38,200 miles now and I'm hearing the same thing at times...usually I have the radio semi-loud so I don't always hear it. How much is it to replace the strut mount bearing plate?

Jeremy

[richtazz]

check the lower ball joints

[JTrujillo86]

I was listening more closely to the noise and it sound like its actually comming from the back end. I guess I'll have to look somewhere else to find my problem. Maybe the rear control arm bushings just need a little bit of grease...

Jeremy

[richtazz]

Check the rear upper shock mounts if it's coming from the back, common problem.

[moneytrap]

I feel your pain. I went through the same thing a few months ago and it took weeks for the mechanic to figure it out. Turn the steering wheel hard left or right, no problem. But the second you start to roll, POP! The dealership couldn't even figure it out. The problem is the wheel bearing - not all the other stuff like struts, bushings, etc. Be cautious about using after market bearings as they pop! OEM was the only bearing that didn't pop. Also, it isn't just a little bearing, it is a whole assembly with sensors n stuff so it will probably be about $350 for the part. Good luck.

[Bigolg]

Originally Posted by moneytrap

I feel your pain. I went through the same thing a few months ago and it took weeks for the mechanic to figure it out. Turn the steering wheel hard left or right, no problem. But the second you start to roll, POP! The dealership couldn't even figure it out. The problem is the wheel bearing - not all the other stuff like struts, bushings, etc. Be cautious about using after market bearings as they pop! OEM was the only bearing that didn't pop. Also, it isn't just a little bearing, it is a whole assembly with sensors n stuff so it will probably be about $350 for the part. Good luck.

Wow 350? I bought OEM lifetime warranty at Murray's only $119, did it myself in about 45 minutes.

[breddell05]

I am having the same popping problem in my 99 2.4L. It happens when I turn the wheel to the right. It reminds me of knuckles popping.