#422346 - 04/15/04 12:59 PM
Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I recently purchased a 99 PI with 80k on it from my local state surplus agency.
The car is in great condition overall, but I'm having one issue I can't seem to figure out.
When I make sharp turns (particularly U-Turns), and the wheel is turned almost all of the way in either direction, I will feel and hear a rather loud clunk noise / vibration. People standing several feet away can also hear this noise, so it's lead to some strange looks.
It only happens once, and then won't happen again until I straighten the wheel out and turn it far left or right again.
My steering performs fine outside of that, but I can't imagine this is a good thing. Any ideas? Suggestions?
Jeff
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#422347 - 04/15/04 02:34 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Climber
Registered: 10/01/02
Posts: 557
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I am not clear on this problem, however I am guessing that the problem lies in the tierods. I know that my car does the same darn thing, and developed into 2 clunk noises. I have the rods, however, I have not replaced them yet. I would make sure that your steering components are greased as often as you change your oil, if you havent already.
I am guessing tierods. Being a component of the steering system, they wear out a lot.
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*recently known as 'ufoforever' '92 CV P74 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/can.gif" alt="" /> Autolamps. Premium Sound w/ Pioneer Deck, Rockford 6x9 Pioneer 6x8. 140k miles. Power Doors, Windows, Seats. Digital Dash. Bastard Block w/ AOD and clunky TC. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> 99' Steering Gear. ENS sway bushings <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. New paint,but peeled about a year later >:|. Super 40 Flowmaster Muffler (Sounds best in cold weather). Heater Core Replaced (Darn the top plenum bolt!). Current Project: Bleed ABS to fix brake pull Repairs Pending: front-end links, thermo clutch fan, replace tensioner assembly, replace inefficient alternator, 1 tierod, idler arm, upper and lower control arm bushings, new freeze plugs, and thats about it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.
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#422348 - 04/15/04 02:50 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Over the Hill
Registered: 08/01/03
Posts: 4063
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Don't the steering stops do this on these cars when they need to be greased?
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Annoy a Conservative - Think for yourself.
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#422349 - 04/15/04 02:57 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Over the Hill
Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1305
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I have no idea, but my car does the same thing.
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#422350 - 04/15/04 03:16 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Climber
Registered: 10/01/02
Posts: 557
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All my stuff is greased, and still the noise continues... 
_________________________
*recently known as 'ufoforever' '92 CV P74 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/can.gif" alt="" /> Autolamps. Premium Sound w/ Pioneer Deck, Rockford 6x9 Pioneer 6x8. 140k miles. Power Doors, Windows, Seats. Digital Dash. Bastard Block w/ AOD and clunky TC. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> 99' Steering Gear. ENS sway bushings <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. New paint,but peeled about a year later >:|. Super 40 Flowmaster Muffler (Sounds best in cold weather). Heater Core Replaced (Darn the top plenum bolt!). Current Project: Bleed ABS to fix brake pull Repairs Pending: front-end links, thermo clutch fan, replace tensioner assembly, replace inefficient alternator, 1 tierod, idler arm, upper and lower control arm bushings, new freeze plugs, and thats about it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.
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#422351 - 04/15/04 03:26 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Poobah
Registered: 07/17/02
Posts: 7848
Loc:
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A wasted idler arm will also make a clunk-type noise even if the wheels aren't steered to full lock (thereby exonerating non-greased steering stops).
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#422352 - 04/15/04 03:39 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Climber
Registered: 10/01/02
Posts: 557
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I wish I would have known that, I would have replaced that instead of the pitman arm.
_________________________
*recently known as 'ufoforever' '92 CV P74 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/can.gif" alt="" /> Autolamps. Premium Sound w/ Pioneer Deck, Rockford 6x9 Pioneer 6x8. 140k miles. Power Doors, Windows, Seats. Digital Dash. Bastard Block w/ AOD and clunky TC. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> 99' Steering Gear. ENS sway bushings <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. New paint,but peeled about a year later >:|. Super 40 Flowmaster Muffler (Sounds best in cold weather). Heater Core Replaced (Darn the top plenum bolt!). Current Project: Bleed ABS to fix brake pull Repairs Pending: front-end links, thermo clutch fan, replace tensioner assembly, replace inefficient alternator, 1 tierod, idler arm, upper and lower control arm bushings, new freeze plugs, and thats about it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.
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#422353 - 04/15/04 04:48 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Member
Registered: 03/30/04
Posts: 127
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I had my idler arm replaced a week ago, and even after that I still had that clunking noise while turning, especially if going out of a driveway/down an incline. (decline?) I read somewhere on this forum that all the panthers do this. I can't find the post right now though.
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#422354 - 04/15/04 05:15 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Poobah
Registered: 12/20/01
Posts: 9570
Loc: Oklahoma,America
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95 Town Car made a terrible noise in sharp left turns, frightened my wife, she thought someting major was about to fall off the front end. I greased the steering stops (on the back of each lower A frame) and no more noise. Might not be your problem, but very cheap to try.
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Now that I've defragged my brain, I've got 89% free space! Entropy manager.
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#422355 - 04/15/04 08:11 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I appreciate the responses. I've never had to grease anything under the hood before, and I'm loathe to pay a mechanic to do it. I've done all sorts of other general maintinence (oil changes, rotations, changing the alternator on a Saturn **for those that don't know, on older saturns, the alternator is on the BOTTOM of the engine and necessitates taking off a wheel and triple jointed arms.**)
So, I can do it, but would appreciate some guidance.
What do I need and where would I be looking?
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#422356 - 04/15/04 09:05 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Climber
Registered: 10/01/02
Posts: 557
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Auto parts stores will have grease guns and grease. I saw a cheap grease gun at walmart, and picked up some mobil 1 grease at autozone. I suggest buying a extension for the grease gun, assuming you dont buy one with a flexible head. I spent a few bucks at autozone and bought a male-to-male grease gun extension. I never greased anything under the car when I got my oil changes done, however, I started doing my own oil changes and so I have to grease my front-end components.
Greasing the parts is simple, pop the grease nozzle on the grease nipple, and pump the gun.
P.S. I assumed you were inquiring how to do your own grease-gun work.
_________________________
*recently known as 'ufoforever' '92 CV P74 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/can.gif" alt="" /> Autolamps. Premium Sound w/ Pioneer Deck, Rockford 6x9 Pioneer 6x8. 140k miles. Power Doors, Windows, Seats. Digital Dash. Bastard Block w/ AOD and clunky TC. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> 99' Steering Gear. ENS sway bushings <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. New paint,but peeled about a year later >:|. Super 40 Flowmaster Muffler (Sounds best in cold weather). Heater Core Replaced (Darn the top plenum bolt!). Current Project: Bleed ABS to fix brake pull Repairs Pending: front-end links, thermo clutch fan, replace tensioner assembly, replace inefficient alternator, 1 tierod, idler arm, upper and lower control arm bushings, new freeze plugs, and thats about it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.
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#422358 - 04/16/04 06:22 AM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Over the Hill
Registered: 09/26/03
Posts: 1425
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Quote:
I had my idler arm replaced a week ago, and even after that I still had that clunking noise while turning, especially if going out of a driveway/down an incline. (decline?) I read somewhere on this forum that all the panthers do this. I can't find the post right now though.
My 2000 will make that noise when backing down an incline driveway.Noise comes from the rear. Probably is the body flexing a little.The twisting of the body with the wheels being turned to the left or right as I back down the driveway. Front never makes any noise ever. My old 84 would though-real loud due no doubt to severely worn ball joints etc.
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2000 P71 X-C.H.P.- Resurrected. no mods.
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#422360 - 04/16/04 02:41 PM
Re: Steering Clunk / Vibration
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Over the Hill
Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1305
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Thanks Dan.
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