Rack and Pinion popping

[Turbodog97]

Hey all,
My lady has a 96 Riveria with 141k on the clock. Car runs like a champ One small thing though...the car has developed a loud clunk from the rack and pinion over the last few weeks. It is most noticeable if you turn the wheel to the right...but also when comming to a stop...and also when leaving a stoplight and pressing on the gas. Now to the sound itself...it is an extremely loud "clang." It's loud enough to scare others. I did a basic inspection of the rack itself and there was no tears in the dust covers and everything was bolted down nice and solid. Any ideas? There seems to be no other issues spuring off of this problem; so it's mostly just a nuisance.


P.S. The interior on these cars are freaking amazing! Makes me jeleous!

[maxwedge]

I suspect this is a motor or trans mount not the rack, seen this before, try power brakeing it and look at engine movement. The l/s ft trans axle mount is usually the culprit.

[Turbodog97]

That did cross my mind since it only happens when movement is occuring somehow. I did a visual inspection of the bushing and saw no tears but I'll try giving it some gas and see if the engine rocks back and forth.

[maxwedge]

Might want to get under there and pry up on the mounts, for a better idea.

[trapped]

If it happens on turning and braking as well as gassing it, I'd be looking at the struts and A-arm bushings...

[jbman987]

there may also be a stabilizer link that has been broken. this link brings the stabilizer bar and the a- arm together. that may cause the noise you are describing. there is one for the driver and passenger side.