imported_kane2k

Well this weekend was great except for the curb I hit. My drivers side front wheel assembly is now in rough shape. Just got back from getting an alignment and the car is driveable but has a couple of issues that need to be fixed.

1. Clunking noise from the wheel, only heard when there is no load on the wheel. i.e. in neutral, no braking, no steering. The noise is repetitive and its frequency depends on the car speed. I couldn't hear this before the alignment but thats because my toe was far off and the wheel was always being loaded by the misalignment, which means that even a minor load will stop the noise.

2. Steering is very stiff. Although it's not as stiff as with no power steering, it takes a bit of effort to move the steering wheel and it tends to hold itself in place, even in turns. I'm thinking I messed up the steering rack, which I have an extra of. Could this be anything else? More to the point could both these problems stem from the same thing, like a CV joint?

imported_Cablerat

Driveshaft(CV JOINT) is probably the clicking sound.. Gonna have to replace that. Does it get worse when you turn? If so, then it's driveshaft.

Did they check everything out when they did the alignment?
Like Bent Spindle?

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

your alignment place didn't tell you what else you fuct up??

imported_kane2k

That's the strange thing about the clicking noise, it disappears when I turn, hit the brakes, or have the car in gear. It's only audible when the car is driving straight in neutral.

I assume they checked everything out but I didn't specifically ask about the spindle. I told the guy the car had met a curb though and I'm assuming you couldn't align the car properly with a messed up spindle.

imported_kane2k

No I went to Wheel & Tire zone and they said it was OK. I checked everything out myself on Monday and nothing looked visibly out of whack.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

the clicking noise is prolly a wheel bearing... jack up the car and free-spin the wheel bu hand. listen to where the noise is coming from. as for the steering, is there like a spot where it hangs up, or is it constantly difficlut to turn?

imported_kane2k

I'll try that with the wheel tonight.

As for the steering it's constantly hard to move it from whatever angle it's at. Going straight it takes effort to start turning and once you have it turned it likes to stay at the same angle. I have to actually move the wheel to exit a turn.

imported_kane2k

I jacked up the car and spun the wheel, but couldn't reproduce the sound. I think I'm going to bring it in to a shop tonight because I just want this over with.

HKBC

hope your a arms are ok...
better get a tune up or a general inspection from a shop..
you might have some major problems you don't know about yet
especially with the steering issues

dee123

If you get the car up, take off a tire and look for any chipped off rust on the lower arm or the knuckle. could be a sign of bent parts. You can set the alignment, and still have bent parts. Especially if they only set the toe.

ohmstable

You prob got something bent that is causing the stiff steering.

imported_kane2k

I agree with everything said so far. I took it in to get it looked at. As I said I already inspected everything and nothing appeared bent. The wheel bearing was most likely shot since the wheel noise was getting louder and louder as I brought it in.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

so what's the verdict?

I had that sitcky wheel problem (when it won't self center after making a turn) when I had the wrong offset rims on my car for a couple of months.

However, bad caster will also cause that very same thing, and also the stiff steering. You have some bent components, prolly upper control arms at the very least.

imported_kane2k

Problem solved. When I got my alignment they sent me on my way with 3 loose lug nuts, a bent wheel, and a bulged tire. Great job, huh? I posted about it in the Discussion forum.

ohmstable

I'm getting sick of incompetent f*ckin people!