Clunk Somewhere in Steering

[wrxnofx]

Just got the old girl out last week and a problem has cropped up where, when parked, if I turn the wheel quickly to the right I get a clunk sound. If I turn the wheel quickly to the left I don't get the sound.

Two seasons ago I replaced all the front suspension bushings and ball joints, and removed and rebuilt the rack.

I verified that the steering knuckle bolt in the smugglers box is tight, so I'm thinking it's got to be something underneath.

I haven't been under there yet, but if someone could give me a point in the right direction that would be awesome.

Car is an '87 Carrera.

Here is a quick vid I made...
https://youtu.be/Yc7aoFP7afU

[Otter74]

It's possible you have a worn U-joint on the steering shaft - this will typically make a noise under similar conditions only when the joint is in certain positions. Though the noise in the video does seem rather loud for that. If you have a helper to turn the steering while you look and listen in the frunk you can catch this, or if you can put enough force on the joint directly you might be able to test it solo.

[wrxnofx]

Originally Posted by Otter74

It's possible you have a worn U-joint on the steering shaft - this will typically make a noise under similar conditions only when the joint is in certain positions. Though the noise in the video does seem rather loud for that. If you have a helper to turn the steering while you look and listen in the frunk you can catch this, or if you can put enough force on the joint directly you might be able to test it solo.

Thanks, Otter. I know there are 2 U joints on that steering shaft - the one I can see in the smuggler's box and the one somewhere higher up in the steering column. Both seem not easy to change without ripping a whole lot of stuff out...

I'll get a helper tonight and see if I can find the source.

[MBAtarga]

That noise is rather loud & deep. I'd think it has to be associated with the steering rack.

[mgar88]

I had arguably a similar clunk. Had to rebuild the rack (actually replaced the whole damn thing because the problem persisted after two rebuilds).

Check out the lash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1dKUQ0DS9I&feature=youtu.be

[adias]

Indirect Q: Should the u-joints in the steering column be lubed with grease?

[wrxnofx]

Originally Posted by mgar88

I had arguably a similar clunk. Had to rebuild the rack (actually replaced the whole damn thing because the problem persisted after two rebuilds).

Check out the lash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1dKUQ0DS9I&feature=youtu.be

That does have a very similar sound.

It also seems to be only in one specific area. That is, if I rotate the wheel 15 degrees or so (or more) then I can't repeat the symptom.

I'd much rather wait until Winter to fix this issue (especially considering it just came out of a 6 month slumber) and just deal with the clunk all summer. Not sure if this is a safety issue or not...

[wrxnofx]

Okay, I'm pretty sure it's the rack.

Next question - can I get the rack out without having to remove the aluminum carrier that the back of the A arms go through?

[DRACO A5OG]

Yes, you can :-), but you may lose you alignment as there is 1-2mm slop side to side once bolts are loose. Try to remember which side it favored and reinstall in same position may help.

Other thins is to remove in frunk boot, with it on makes it really difficult to pull out from under the chassis.

Break a Leg brother!