Hollow Clunking Noise When wheel is Turned??

[gberland]

hi im greg i have a 2006 LS cobalt recently i have been noticing when i turn my wheel either way i can hear a low hollow clunking noise?? mostly when i turning at low speeds like parking and pulling out?? anyone have this issue?? im thinking its the steering rack??

 

[YelloEye]

Sounds like it might be a CV joint to me. Heres a test, find a big open parking lot, turn your wheel all the way to lock and drive around in a circle slowly, do it the other direction too. Hell you can likely walk next to the car while its moving to track down the noise.

 

[ff_drift_lol]

could also be an intermediate shaft mount or a strut mount.

 

[bryson87]

intermediate shaft. kinda feel a pop in the steering wheel also?

 

[ff_drift_lol]

not the steering intermediate shaft. the one on the back of your motor that connects the passenger axle to the diff.

 

[bryson87]

humm no not the steering rack the intermediate shaft. what do u do for a liveing again ff?

 

[ff_drift_lol]

I work in a performance/service shop. another thing make sure your springs are in tact and seated correctly in the perch. also check the steering shaft coupler for play. it's on the intermediate shaft at the end of your steering column where it meets the rack. sorta like a u-joint. the pinch bolt below it should be torqued to 35 ft-lbs. they do loosen sometimes.

 

[bryson87]

i would just about put money on it that its the intermediate shaft

 

[ff_drift_lol]

so you're saying the int. shaft coupler. it's a common problem on these cars. they're about 110 bucks dealer part I haven't found aftermarket. it's a bitch to replace.

 

[bryson87]

the intermediate shaft its self is whats messed up. also for the op you DONT have to replace it, all it will do is pop. Its a problem with all gm cars trucks and suv's. if you do decide to replace it. take and put the steering wheel where it cant turn once you line up the bolt so u can get to it. take the bottom bolt out. then go under the dash. you can turn the wheel to get to the bolt BUT make sure you rember which way you turned it and once you got it in the position lock the steering wheel again so it dont turn. change shaft. might have to wiggle the wheel a lil to slide back on. the reason for not wanting the wheel to turn is so u dont **** up the alignment/ clock spring. if you need anymore help just pm me. I am a gm tech

 

[ff_drift_lol]

the coupler is part of the shaft. you can only buy it as an assembly. you're saying put the steering wheel in the locking position? you need to position it so that the pinch bolts on the inside and outside are accessible. I would use a steering wheel lock from an alignment machine.

 

[bryson87]

the adv person doesnt have access to such tools. and not "lock" the steering wheel. simply not let it turn tape it if you got to

 

[ff_drift_lol]

gotcha. don't get me wrong I wasn't saying you're wrong, just trying to contribute.

 

[gberland]

actually im a 2nd year apprentice TECH and i have acess to a shop i put it on a hoist today and i found that the front stabilizer had alot of play and movement even by just putting my hand on it so i will be replacing the front stabilizer as a start i drive on alot of bumpy roads daily so im thinking wear and tear

 

[ff_drift_lol]

ah, well if the stabilizer bar is in tact no need to replace it. I would replace the bushings and the end links.

 

[gberland]

ya true but im not sure if u can order these bushings seperate? just a whole sway bar assembly

 

[bryson87]

dont hold it to me but i think its the whole sway bar

 

[ff_drift_lol]

1) Stabilizer bar 2) Bushing 3) Bracket
4) Stabilizer link

you'll most likely just need number 4, but take a looksie and it may also be number 2. or even number 3 if 2 failed a long time ago. anyway, there's an exploded view. hope this gives a better idea.

 

[cobalt123]

if thats the case what a great time for an aftermarket upgrade?

 

[YelloEye]

Mine clunks, its the screw on the bottom of my koni inserts....bastard unscrewed then rusted solid....