01 GT, Rattles When Turning and Accelerating at the Same Time

[davem5761]

There is rattling noise and the steering wheel shakes when I am turning right and accelerating at the same time. There is nothing when i'm doing one or the other, or turning left and accelerating. This get worse the harder I accelerate. This is most noticable on things like entrance ramps to the interstate. Any help would be appreciated.

[richtazz]

The first things I would check are the p/side cv axle, most notably the outer joint, the control arm bushings and front hub bearing(s).

[davem5761]

The bearings are tight and have no play in them, and I just changed the control arm bushings a week ago (I had this problem before I changed the bushings). I didn't notice anything wrong with the cv axle, but i didn't look at it too close. I'm assuming the universal joints would be the problem? what should I look for on these?

Thanks

[richtazz]

the outer CV joints can go bad without any outside visible signs. If you can grab the CV shaft and move it up, down, or side to side, then the joint is worn. They can start to make a hollow rattling/clattering noise, then will develop into a popping noise, most notably heard while turning. Inner CV joints will start to hum or vibrate, and it will change pitch especially when driving over undulating roads.

[00GTP4ME]

Rich, when you say grab the CV shaft and move it, should it be rock solid tight or is it normal for there to be minor play? I don't mean the threadjack, but I'm starting to have a similar problem, only it's not only when turning. It's just accelerating at all. I'll give it some gas and then it will start shaking really bad and then stop as my speed increases. It's only while giving it gas though. Coasting at any speed does not cause shakes at all.

I've been having popping knocking sounds forever and I'm fairly certain my control arm bushings need replacing and have just figured it was them.
Not long ago I got under the car and grabbed the CV shafts to see if anything seemed wrong. There is a really small amount of play that causes a clicking sound coming from the inside end of the shaft, but the outer joint seems solid.

What do you think? (I've been having the pops and knocks forever, but this shaking thing only started like a week ago and is getting noticebly worse.)

[richtazz]

The axles should be virtually solid feeling as far as lateral free play. If your control arm bushings are really bad, it could cause your symptoms, as it allows the control arm to move around throwing off the suspension and steering geometry.

[davem5761]

I finally had a chance to take a look at this while I was home last weekend, I found that the passenger side half shaft seemed very tight,. However the driver side had a small amount of lateral movement in it. (not the sliding movement in and out of the transaxle). it seemed that the movement was coming from the universal joint closest to the transaxle. I'm assuming this is the problem? any suggestions on where to get a good cv-half shaft assembly at a good price?

[richtazz]

good aftermarket brands for CV axles would include USA Industries, Wolverine and even Cardone (their reman electronics suck, but their axles and brake parts are still good). Avoid the Chinese made aftermarket "new" axles, as most I've seen don't last.