[seachunk2]

Drove into a pothole last night. Roads are in real bad shape due to the recent cold weather. Now when I brake I get a clunk and some clunking & binding when I turn the wheel. I took a look under the car but didn't see any damage. I checked to see if the calibers were loose but they were OK. I suspect that the drive shaft is damaged. I gave them a pull but I didn't notice anything. I still think they might be the problem. How could I check them? Thanks

 

[cincyses]

Anti-sway bar link ends?

 

[sundarpn]

whats that?
do you mean sway bar end links?

 

[cincyses]

Yeah, sorry if I used the wrong term here....I'm suggesting it because I had a clunking noise form my 1998 when I had it and the link ends were replaced which solved the problem. Also, these have to be replaced on our 9 series Vovlos about every 30,000 miles for the same type of clunking condition (clearly a design weakness in that case because we are extremely careful about bumps, etc...)

 

[sundarpn]

ok "Anti-sway bar link ends "

whats the big deal if i dont replace it? I have the same clunking over regular bumbs.. been doin this since 5-6 months now

 

[cincyses]

Ok, so whatever we're calling it...There is no real safety problem in not replacing them (as far as I know), but you should notice a significant handling improvement by having them replaced...



P.S. I have no idea if this is the solution to the original question, it's just something I would check with a front end clunk....I can't imagine that this would be the cause of the steering "binding" though.....

 

[seachunk2]

Thanks for all the responses. I plan on checking things out saturday morning. I doubt, but not entirely, that it's a sway bar. Could it be a strut bearing? I'm not too familar with front end problems so any further suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks again....

 

[sundarpn]

ya.. I dont like the way my car handles when making turns..
guess I have to get the end links changed. But they are not broken.. so I am thinking the play in their ball joints (the ones in the end links) should not cause bad handling as such.

 

[sundarpn]

bump

 

[cincyses]

The "play" in the joints is exactly what you look for to tell if they need to be replaced.....you'r not looking for them to be cracked or anything......

 

[Guest]

Because of the irregular turning of the steering wheel, I'd suspect something suspension related. Check everything well, and if you're unsure, bring it to a mechanic to be checked.

 

[sundarpn]

hey bob, are you sayin that play in the ball & socket joints of the end link can cause irregular turning of the wheels, hence bad handling. (and of course clunking)

 

[Mr Sparkle]

These people dont know what they are talking about...

What is the problem?

A broken control arm. How do I know? I have the same problem. Its a pretty expensive part but they are on ebay every once in a while for cheap. Maybe check out a junk yard.

 

[TazTaurus]

Check your inner tie rod ends. I had a similar prob and those were the culprits.

 

[seachunk2]

OK, I'll check the inner rod this morning. How difficult is this and would I be better off springing for the extra bucks and replacing the entire steering rack?

 

[seachunk2]

Thanks for all the replies. It turns out that I have a broken coil spring. Also the lower ball joint had a damaged seal and was in questionable condition so I'm replacing it and also the link end. I also purchased new struts, might as well go for broke, but I have to wait till monday for the springs. Thanks again

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by sundarpn@Feb 12 2004, 12:49 PM
hey bob, are you sayin that play in the ball & socket joints of the end link can cause irregular turning of the wheels, hence bad handling. (and of course clunking)

Nope. Steering will not be affected by the endlinks.

seachunk, glad to hear you found out what the problem was. Good luck with the repairs.