98 sunfrie GT w/170,000kms.
My car makes a clunk/popping sound while turning the steering wheel. Most noticable while not moving. It will make the noise about 3 times during the complete turning of the wheels.
The noise is not always there. sometimes it goes away. I think it may be most noticable when raining out.
Could this be the ball joints? I believe they need replacing. They are original.
Thanks.
it might be your bearing plates on top of the strut. The spring rides on them, and the nose could be your spring binding up on you.
My Myspace Page
Could be the intermediate shaft in the colum. There is a service bulliten about it.
James (ROLN19S) (JuicyJ) wrote:it might be your bearing plates on top of the strut. The spring rides on them, and the nose could be your spring binding up on you.
Interesting. I've never heard of that before. Now that you mention it, it does sound like it could be the springs binding and poping.
How do you check or fix that?
Is that at the very top of the strut mount? I should be able to open the hood and listen near the strut tower for the noise, correct?
Clunk Noise from Front of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver/Steering Wheel Rotation (Replace Intermediate Steering Shaft) #04-02-35-004C - (Dec 2, 2004)
Clunk Noise from Front of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver/Steering Wheel Rotation (Replace Intermediate Steering Shaft)
2001-2004 Buick Regal
2001-2003 Cadillac Seville -- with RPO JL4 (Control Active Brake)
1997-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
1997-2004 Pontiac Sunfire
2000-2004 Pontiac Bonneville
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
This bulletin is being revised to update Grand Prix model year information, and include repair information to prevent damage to the SIR coil. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-02-35-004B (Section 02 - Steering).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning maneuver. This condition may also be felt through the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and the wheel is rotated from steering stop to steering stop.
Cause
The clunk noise may be caused by a stick-slip condition in the intermediate shaft. An interaction with the steering system creates a vibration that travels up the steering column to the steering wheel.
Correction
DO THIS
Replace Intermediate Steering Shaft
Notice: : The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly. Insert J 42640 (steering column anti-rotation pin) into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column.
A new intermediate steering shaft has been released to address the clunk noise.
Important: Engineering changes have been made to the Service Parts available through SPO. The Service Parts for the vehicles listed in this bulletin will no longer require lubrication of the Intermediate Steering Shaft.
Install a new shaft following the Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement procedure in the Steering Wheel and Column sub-section of the Service Manual.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
10367811
Shaft -- Intermediate Steering -- Bonneville / Seville
10377680
Shaft -- Intermediate Steering -- Cavalier / Sunfire
10376430
Shaft -- Steering Gear -- Impala
10376429
Shaft -- Steering Gear -- Monte Carlo / Regal
10376428
Shaft -- Steering Gear -- Grand Prix
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Where does it sound like it's coming from?
From the steering wheel = Intermediate shaft (b*tch to fix, disassembly and whatnot)
From one side or the other = Strut Bearing (not plate), Quite a bit of work too.
I checked last night. It's the passenger side front strut spring that's binding and making the noise.
What's the fix?
Any way to lubricate it for a temporary fix?
Thanks.
i get a clank, but my bearing plates are new, as are the strut mounts. I doubt its the steering column, as it sounds like its outside the car. Me thinks in my case ball joints?
