knock in the steering when turning....

[bob7296]

I have a 2006 front wheel drive Montana SV-6, with less than 20,000 miles.
When I turn the wheel, more so on left turns I feel a knocking in the steering wheel. The dealer replaced the rack, and that seemed to have fixed the problem for about ~1,500 miles. Now it's back... Is it the rack again?
Any suggestions?

[swathdiver]

My wife has been complaining about the same thing with our 2006. Haven't taken it in yet, thought I'd look around when I change the oil this weekend. Has less then 10k.

[kpn]

May be the classic intermediate shaft knock. They either grease it or replace it if this is it.

Keith

[dragos69ca]

There is a TS Bulletin regarding this pop type noise for 2006 V6 Montana and it's caused by the boot from the rack & Pinion tie rod...does not require replacing the rack but just the boot.
It happens if the quality of the boot is poor (plastic instead rubber) or because the installer of the rack is twisting the tie rods on installation....
Check the boots first...
Although, there is a possiblity of a noise from the steering column but that it's happening at high mileage....

[have3at30]

I heard Montanas are notorious for having to replace the wheel bearings. I have had mine replaced 2x in four years. If you hear the sound when turning left then I believe it would be in the passenger side.

[LMP]

Originally Posted by dragos69ca

..this pop type noise ..caused by the boot from the rack & Pinion tie rod

SInce the car is rather new, I agree with this possibility as mine, much older that yours, does it also at times and it is in fact the tie rod boot near the rack that compresses and slides on a sudden then compresses again and slides as the rod moves on one side. It sounds much worse that what it is. If that is the case, you can see it and psitively identify the cause. At times, I apply some grease on the tie rod near the booth, at times I just disregard...
As for the wheel bearings, they will come in time...not if, just when...3 or 4 years.