Clicking or scratching sound when turning

[mazeman11]

Most of the time, this happens when the car has just been started and is cold.

As I pull out of a parking spot after moving about 6 feet and turn my steering wheel, I hear a clicking sound like two steel rods are rubbing against each other. The clicking sound happens once and is not continues. The sound appears to be coming from under the hood.

Sometimes if I park my car straight on the street and start going foward, I can hear that sound. But most of the time it happens when I'm turning the steering wheel as I'm taking off.

The car is 97 Grand Prix GT with 85,000.

Any ideas what could be causing this?

[BNaylor]

Best thing to do is try to pinpoint the source of the noise better. Also, does it make any difference whether the steering is taken right or left?

Just as a guess possibilities: power steering pump, rack and pinion, inner/outer CV joints (axle shaft).

[mazeman11]

It does not matter if I turn left or right. It does happen more often when the car is cold so that might have something to do with it. There seems to be friction somewhere.

[mazeman11]

A friend said he used to hear the exact same sound in his 96 cadilac and in his case it was the start motor hitting something when he turned.

It might be the case in mine as well since the sound happens when the car has just been started.

[BNaylor]

If it is a knocking or even whirring type sound it is possible. It could be a bad starter bendix. The starter pinion would hit the flywheel because it is not retracting completely. I can't find the oldest post where I worked with a member on a similar problem but here is a thread that mentioned a similar problem. See post #2.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ocking+starter

[mazeman11]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

If it is a knocking or even whirring type sound it is possible. It could be a bad starter bendix. The starter pinion would hit the flywheel because it is not retracting completely. I can't find the oldest post where I worked with a member on a similar problem but here is a thread that mentioned a similar problem. See post #2.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ocking+starter

I think you are right. That's what my friend said. It must be something with the starter. Any idea how difficult is it to fix and how long would it take me or a mechanic to fix?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by mazeman11

I think you are right. That's what my friend said. It must be something with the starter. Any idea how difficult is it to fix and how long would it take me or a mechanic to fix?

Replacing the starter is not bad but the car must be jacked up and a plastic splash guard removed to access it. 2-3 bolts hold it to the engine. At the starter the B+ (battery supply 12 volts) and solenoid cable connections must be disconnected. Some starters have shims but not all so just check for any shims and make sure shims are installed with the replacement starter. Also, make sure battery negative and positive cables are removed before working on a starter for safety purposes. About a 1 hour job. Good luck.

[je2345]

hello, this is my first time posting as i'am just goin through reading problems right now that are similar to mine.

My 99' GP GT did the same thing but only when i turned right and when it was accelerating. It ended up being the starter! So yea, get your starter replaced!