Steering Bumping Noise

[98Aurora]

I have a 98 Aurora and just noticed a "bumping" sound which appears to be coming from the suspension. It is more noticable when I make left turns, but the "bump" sound is becoming more obvious and more often as I drive. It now makes that sound going over normal roads while not turning. I took it to Firestone and they said that it is probably a "rag joint" which is located at the end of the steering column. It connects to the linkage that steers the front wheels. They also told me that this "rag joint" was on recall on some GM models. I have yet to receive any recall in the mail.

Is this a common problem with this car? Or, is there some other common problem I should be looking at? I have only 71K miles on this car, and other than the "bump", she runs great! If it is the "rag joint", is it a difficult part to replace? I love to wrench my cars, and would consider it a hobby, but I know my limitations. Does any one know if this part is a GM recall part for this model car?

I would appreciate any information from your experience.

98Aurora

[zephram22]

Originally Posted by 98Aurora

I have a 98 Aurora and just noticed a "bumping" sound which appears to be coming from the suspension. It is more noticable when I make left turns, but the "bump" sound is becoming more obvious and more often as I drive. It now makes that sound going over normal roads while not turning. I took it to Firestone and they said that it is probably a "rag joint" which is located at the end of the steering column. It connects to the linkage that steers the front wheels. They also told me that this "rag joint" was on recall on some GM models. I have yet to receive any recall in the mail.

Is this a common problem with this car? Or, is there some other common problem I should be looking at? I have only 71K miles on this car, and other than the "bump", she runs great! If it is the "rag joint", is it a difficult part to replace? I love to wrench my cars, and would consider it a hobby, but I know my limitations. Does any one know if this part is a GM recall part for this model car?

I would appreciate any information from your experience.

98Aurora

Hmm...Can you feel this "bumping in the steering wheel. Where does it sound like it's coming from. As you probably know, a rag joint is a peice of laminated rubber that connects the steering column to the steering box. You can see it as a rube goldburg contraption next to the engine.

While flopping the wheel back and forth the steering box should copy the motion. If it isn't you can see the rag joint flexing more than it should. Your not turning the wheel just turning the slop normaly in it.