Clatter in front end steering - LotusTalk

PsychoRallye · 07-22-2008, 06:04 PM

So I have a new one, the front end of my car at higher speeds (over 50mph) has a clatter or clicking noise. I can sometimes curb the noise by pushing on the steering wheel a bit (I assume compressing the column into the rack).

It does not appear to be a chatter that is transmitted to the wheels (at least, not obviously).

I took apart the front end including brakes, nothing was loose or anything. The wheel bearings had no obvious play, and well, I don't know... I was thinking ball joints, but the two on the tie rod ends seem fine (at least, overtly, and the boots are still OK and not ripped out or anything...

Fishin' for ideas...

slope · 07-22-2008, 08:27 PM

this wouldn't be the issue with the busted rack and pinion would it? i remember i had mine fixed under warranty and i believe it was an issue for a bunch of other people.

andykeck · 07-22-2008, 08:31 PM

If pushing on the wheel fixes it, it makes me suspect the u-joint in the steering column.

PsychoRallye · 10-10-2008, 06:41 PM

Update from long ago, apparently pushing on the wheel was only coincidental (or only a small contributatory factor). Clunk sound in the steering is still there. I think it might be pass front side.

I doubt it's a bearing, I have no noticeable play in the wheel while at a standstill, but the camber does appear to be out out spec. I wonder, how can I tell if the ball joints connecting to the A-arms are bad?

It's not the track rod end (steering rack ball joint).
I did a nut/bolt on all the bolts on all 4 corners, motor mounts, trans mounts, etc. No dice..

Could it be shock body or the spring mounting somehow?

The clunk is more audible when I hit a hole with the pax side.

Thanks...

Vantage · 10-22-2008, 11:20 AM

My steering rack was replaced under warranty, but not it has started clunking / rattling over bumps. Somewhat disconcerting!

fpitas · 10-22-2008, 11:48 AM

Check the ball joint nuts for tightness? Mine were torqued about finger-tight, other people's were just plain loose.

07-22-2008, 06:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
PsychoRallye 05 Mag Blue LSS/HT Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wherever you go, there you are. Posts: 797	Clatter in front end steering So I have a new one, the front end of my car at higher speeds (over 50mph) has a clatter or clicking noise. I can sometimes curb the noise by pushing on the steering wheel a bit (I assume compressing the column into the rack). It does not appear to be a chatter that is transmitted to the wheels (at least, not obviously). I took apart the front end including brakes, nothing was loose or anything. The wheel bearings had no obvious play, and well, I don't know... I was thinking ball joints, but the two on the tie rod ends seem fine (at least, overtly, and the boots are still OK and not ripped out or anything... Fishin' for ideas... __________________ "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

10-10-2008, 06:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
PsychoRallye 05 Mag Blue LSS/HT Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wherever you go, there you are. Posts: 797	Update from long ago, apparently pushing on the wheel was only coincidental (or only a small contributatory factor). Clunk sound in the steering is still there. I think it might be pass front side. I doubt it's a bearing, I have no noticeable play in the wheel while at a standstill, but the camber does appear to be out out spec. I wonder, how can I tell if the ball joints connecting to the A-arms are bad? It's not the track rod end (steering rack ball joint). I did a nut/bolt on all the bolts on all 4 corners, motor mounts, trans mounts, etc. No dice.. Could it be shock body or the spring mounting somehow? The clunk is more audible when I hit a hole with the pax side. Thanks... __________________ "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

10-22-2008, 11:48 AM	#6 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,833	Check the ball joint nuts for tightness? Mine were torqued about finger-tight, other people's were just plain loose. __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: LSD/TC, Nitron SAs with 425/650 springs, BWR 7/8" Front Bar, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, VF Stage 2, 2bular Header + Sport Cat + 8x24 GT3 Muffler, ECU Tune by Jermaine, Smaay's fuel rail, ACT XT clutch, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Moroso pan, Manly's mount inserts & FF Engine Damper 2000 Black Integra Type R: - 213,000 miles...running again!

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07-22-2008, 08:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
slope Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: florida Posts: 484	this wouldn't be the issue with the busted rack and pinion would it? i remember i had mine fixed under warranty and i believe it was an issue for a bunch of other people.

07-22-2008, 08:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
andykeck Meow talk lotus one day? Join Date: May 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 4,929 Images: 1	If pushing on the wheel fixes it, it makes me suspect the u-joint in the steering column.

10-22-2008, 11:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
Vantage Weekend Warrior Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Diego / Los Angeles Posts: 4,036	My steering rack was replaced under warranty, but not it has started clunking / rattling over bumps. Somewhat disconcerting!

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