Steering clunk when braking

[fubard]

Hello gang. I've been noticing when I brake my steering wheel will move . Now since the steering rack is attached to the subframe would it be reasonable to suspect the SFBs? I was underneath checking those visually and they appeared intact.I'm suspecting the subframe is moving (sliding) back & forth just a wee bit and causing the rack to move pushing on the steering column.Is there an easy or preferred way to verify this? Or could this be caused by something else? The sway bar ends appear intact with no damage at the subframe.

[shorod]

I wouldn't start by suspect the SFB's, but rather the brakes. You may have a sticking brake caliper or collapsed brake hose that is causing one brake caliper to engage before the other and induce a pull. I'd start by inspecting the brakes closely for abnormal pad wear, including increased wear on one side versus the other.

While inspecting the brakes, if nothing appears obvious, swap wheels and tires from side to side (assuming you are not using directional tires).

Also, inspect the unibody for cracks, especially near the point where the subframe attaches to the body. I'm not sure what year your Taurus is, but I had an '88 that had a nasty pull on braking that turned out to be a broken unibody. Sixty-five dollars later at a body shop with a welder and my car was braking straight again. They said this was quite a common occurance with Fords of that vintage. Especially in the rust belt (Iowa).

While you're under the car inspecting the unibody, you can check for polish marks at the SFB's to see if they appear to be moving.

-Rod

[fubard]

Thanks for the quick reply SHOROD. I may not have explained or described what happens correctly. The brakes work fine. They stop well and don't pull.What happens is I can feel the steering wheel moving towards my body in a straight line like something is pushing the steering shaft towards the back of the car.The displacement is hardly noticeable but now since I do notice it it keeps bothering me.


I'll check for cracks per your suggestion and try to verify that portion.

[shorod]

Whoa, that's an interesting one! Seems like that could be hard on the clock springs. Have you checked the bolts that hold the steering column to the instrument cluster? Maybe a heater core was replaced and the bolts were not properly tighted during reassembly.

-Rod

[fubard]

Good insight. The heater core was replaced (not by me)and I will check into the steering column bolts. That is an easier solution than the bushings so I'll cross my fingies and let you know.

Thanks

OK...the steering column is tight under the dash. I did notice some looseness at the steering rack. With a 2nd person I drove forward (downhill)and stopped abuptly and did not release the brake.With the 2nd person watching the steering rack I'd then release the brake and a small amount of movement was seen at the rack. It seems as if the rack is attached to the frame with rubber bushings. Do these wear out ? What would actually cause this movement?

[fubard]

shorod ,today I replaced my SFBs with the GENIII type I ordered from RCM. When I removed the old rear bushings I noticed heavy damage to the rubber and separation between the metal and rubber. The fronts had no separation or tears.
During the test drive I immediately noticed there was no more movement in my steering wheel. Also, the braking felt a lot more controlled without any of the previous vagueness. Also, the shifter was not nearly as loose as before and did not move during acceleration/deceleration....YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!

Originally Posted by shorod

I wouldn't start by suspect the SFB's, but rather the brakes. You may have a sticking brake caliper or collapsed brake hose that is causing one brake caliper to engage before the other and induce a pull. I'd start by inspecting the brakes closely for abnormal pad wear, including increased wear on one side versus the other.

<kaaaaaasnip>
-Rod