Steering noises...

[dillfer]

2001 PT Limited with strange crunching or grinding noises while turning at slow speed. Sounds like something out of the front left. Anybody else have the same problems?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[Etraveler13]

Originally Posted by dillfer

2001 PT Limited with strange crunching or grinding noises while turning at slow speed. Sounds like something out of the front left. Anybody else have the same problems?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

It sounds like the CV joints (constant velocity). Your vehicle is a front wheel drive unit. I have a 2001 as well. Check underneath and see if the CV boot (rubber) is torn, or take it to a local shop or Pep Boys or Tire shop and inspect it for tears. I suspect you cv boot is torn, and if your getting clicking that is worse when turning, you need to replace the cv joint (around $225 per side in this area). Unfortunately, by the time you hear this noise, its too late. The bright side is this repair/replace is a lot cheaper than it used to be.
repair time should be under 2 hours per side.....
Good luck.

[dillfer]

The C/V was my first thought, and I took it in to a local shop and they said that the joint looked fine. I even took it to the dealer and they said that they had no idea what the noise was. They said that I could leave it there and they would put it up on the hoist, but it would be all day before they would get to it. I think that I'll just end up taking it somewhere else for a third opinion. Thanks for the response.

[Etraveler13]

Originally Posted by dillfer

The C/V was my first thought, and I took it in to a local shop and they said that the joint looked fine. I even took it to the dealer and they said that they had no idea what the noise was. They said that I could leave it there and they would put it up on the hoist, but it would be all day before they would get to it. I think that I'll just end up taking it somewhere else for a third opinion. Thanks for the response.

The next thought is the wheel bearings, sometimes an inner race gets scored, or when changing brake pads, they forget to pack the bearings. Spindles and shafts need the bearing to be seated properly and greased with the proper grease. Worn brake pads, or something rubbing against the tire would be my next checks...