steering clunk....i give up

[jimtweet]

i took the car up to the shop, which bothered me the most, since i always like to do my own work and i didnt want to let it get the best of me, but anyway...

the owner assured me the rack was perfectly fine and super tight when he checked it. He reached under the front trunk lid, adjusted the steering coupler a couple times...and FIXED...no more clunk. At least for now anyway.

now i need a new steering cover thingy...my stock paper one is toast.

[na2ub]

Nice.

[JQ911]

At a stop, I hear clunking when I turn the steering and sometime hear a thug when I hit a bump. I started to hear this when I was turning the next street and hit a pothole and by the way, my car was lowered a little below euro height a few days after I hit the pothole.

Based on the discussions on similar symptoms, I need to check the following:

1. Bolt on the center rack
2. Add bump steer and reposition the steering rack
3. Lubricate bearings

Otherwise, I damaged the rack.

[dshepp806]

My "pop", from long ago--when turning the steering wheel --was certainly the steering rack..changeout resolved immediately.

Best,

Doyle

[JQ911]

Originally Posted by dshepp806

My "pop", from long ago--when turning the steering wheel --was certainly the steering rack..changeout resolved immediately.

Best,

Doyle

That is what it looks like. A damaged one that needs to be replaced. Nonetheless, will check it out tomorrow morning and might be in the look out for a steering rack. Thanks!

[javadog]

Originally Posted by jimtweet

now i need a new steering cover thingy...my stock paper one is toast.

nineball, your CF steering shaft cover is ready

[JQ911]

Just an update, we lifted the car earlier and tried to find out the source of the clunk or thug when I am moving slowly. We tried to wiggle the steering rack while my friend was turning the steering wheel no clunking/thug sound. However, when we wiggled the Fuchs in an upward/downward motion, there is a clucking sound. Looks like my left lower ball joint and outer tie rod looks toasted.

Will check the ball joints first and see if the clunking sound disappears.

[nineball]

thanks java

fs thread:

Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass steering shaft covers available

[JQ911]

Follow up questions, since I am changing ball joints and tie-rods, would you recommend I get the Turbo Tie-rods?

[nineball]

yes

[JQ911]

Originally Posted by nineball

yes

Thanks!

[JQ911]

The clunking sound was traced to the sway bars, problem solved. While at it, replaced both ball joints (wiggling left wheel) and as recommended installed turbo tie-rods, aligned/cambered. Worth the spirited drive back home with all the new parts.

PS - We installed a bump steer kit to complement the lowered height.

[morrisjm1]

After I completely rebuilt my suspension, with ER poly bronze bushes front and rear, new TB, ASP, new inserts and shocks in the back, ball joints, rebuilt steering, mono ball strut mounts and control arms, turbo tie rods, I still had a clunk. The only thing that wasn't new were the bushes in the struts where the inserts ride. Sure enough, there was play.

I sent them to Craig Garrett, garrett@iserv.net, (616) 862-5466. I found his name searching this forum. He did a great job, quick turnaround, fair price.

It might be your problem.

Mike