Front end noise?

[wylie]

I just noticed yesterday when backing out of a parking spot and turning the steering wheel a sound coming from the front end.
About every 1/4 turn of the wheel theres a slight dull pop sound,its also happens now driving forward and turning corners.
The sound is like the sound you would get if you where snapping a tight bunge cord.
99 GT 200,000 km

[richtazz]

From what you describe, depending on where the noise is coming from, it could be a lower control arm bushing(low), upper strut mount bearing(high), or a hub(center).

[BNaylor]

Wylie, can you classify the sound as a slight clunk. Is the noise more prevalent on the drivers side or passenger side? Could be anything from strut mounts, intermediate steering shaft (ISS), wheel bearings to other steering/suspension components.

[wylie]

What the best way for me to figure out exactly what it is? I haven't tried doing it with the car standing still I normally don't turn the wheel unless the car is moving so I don't if it happens when the car is still

[wylie]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Wylie, can you classify the sound as a slight clunk. Is the noise more prevalent on the drivers side or passenger side? Could be anything from strut mounts, intermediate steering shaft (ISS), wheel bearings to other steering/suspension components.

Yes its slight.
And all the rest is the problem I can see a mechanic saying lets replace the front end.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by wylie

What the best way for me to figure out exactly what it is? I haven't tried doing it with the car standing still I normally don't turn the wheel unless the car is moving so I don't if it happens when the car is still

Hard to say Wylie. I had a clunking sound whenever parking my wife's '99 Regals LS, especially audible while manuevering in or out of the garage. No noises while cruising or taking sharp turns, etc. The noise was there when stationary and just turning the steering wheel.

I got a lube kit per a GM TSB for the ISS, applied it and the noise disappeared. Just a suggestion since the ISS is a known problem defined as giving a clunking or popping sound.

[wylie]

I'm going to jack it up and see if theres anything I can look for that might be obvious?
ISS? I hope its something that simple,got any pics in your mega archives?

I see richtazz has been hanging out in the arcade again.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by wylie

I'm going to jack it up and see if theres anything I can look for that might be obvious?
ISS? I hope its something that simple,got any pics in your mega archives?

Good idea. I have both GM TSBs on the ISS problem. I'll see if I can find them and post them. The first TSB called for lubing the ISS. The second calls for replacing it because the lube was only a temporary fix for some "W" body owners ie: Grand Prix, Impala, Intrigue and Regal. The ISS connects the steering column shaft to the rack and pinion. It has u-joints. There is a rubber bellows at the bottom of the steering column at the firewall. Underneath that is the ISS.

Rich hanging out in the Arcade...lol. I guess he has more time and patience than we do.

[BNaylor]

It could be other steering/suspension problems but it doesn't hurt checking into a possible ISS problem. Here is a synopsis of the GM TSBs:

A clunk type noise from the front of the vehicle during a turning manuver - sometimes also felt through the steering wheel when the wheel is rotated from steering stop to steering stop when the vehicle isn't moving - may be caused by inadequate lubrication of the steering intermediate shaft. This results in a "slip stick" condition possibly resulting in the clunk noise (TSB 01-02-32-001B, July 2002)

A GM dealer should have a kit, GM #26098237. This kit contains instructions, a syringe of lube, and a rubber cork/stopper to plug yoke end of shaft when forcing lube into splines. Cost approximately $12? A GM Kent-Moore tool to keep the steering column locked, as stated in the TSB is normally required. Doing this repair could damage wiring on SIR coil, if wheel is turned excessively with ISS removed. The key is not to move the steering wheel. GM's original TSB listed the lube kit as a fix, but the latest TSB 01-02-32-001C - Sept 2003 calls for ISS (intermediate steering shaft) replacement.

[wlkjr]

I had noises emanating from the front end on my 97 but when it started roaring like a train I knew it was time to do something. With Bob and Rich's help I replaced my wheel hubs and it fixed the problem. It also rides much better than it did before. There was no detectable play in the bearings or otherwise indications that they were defective.

[richtazz]

Hey Wilie, I never lost my trophy. I had a few top scores and no one has beat them yet. I still play occasionally, but without a pause, it's hard to play at work (damn phones), and getting on my computer at home is almost impossible.

[wylie]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Hey Wilie, I never lost my trophy. I had a few top scores and no one has beat them yet. I still play occasionally, but without a pause, it's hard to play at work (damn phones), and getting on my computer at home is almost impossible.

I'm the same boat and work is the worst part of my job other wise it wouldn't be to bad.
Home? once the nice weather is here I'm never in the house.