Something is broken...but what?

[nebmaster]

Hello Everybody,

 

My 96 legacy has recently began doing something rather odd. Whenever I am maneuvering at low speeds, there is a pronounced vibration that is transmmitted through the steering wheel, accompanied by a rumbling noise. It only does it at low speeds, and only when I am making a 90 degree or sharper turn. Last summer, I had the problem of the inner tie rod boot cracking and crud getting into the inner tie rods, but I had both boots and tie rods replaced. My initial suspicion is that the car's steering rack is about to go south, (it has about 180k on it) although I also realize that it may be the CV joints. I was wondering if anyone had a good way to differentiate between these two problems, so I don't end up fixing something I don't need to. Any help is greatly appriciated!

[lmdew]

Sounds like the CV joints. You don't do high speed 90 degree turns, so you don't get the vibration. Take a good look at the joint for boot failure. Hold the drive shaft and move the wheel. There should be little to no play in the joint. Try backing up in tight circles and listen for clicking sounds. A sure sign of joint failure! If you need replacements, I have used ones for $10+shipping. I also have a spare rack if you need it. Later, Larry Lmdew@hotmail.com

[nebmaster]

Sounds like the CV joints. You don't do high speed 90 degree turns, so you don't get the vibration. Take a good look at the joint for boot failure. Hold the drive shaft and move the wheel. There should be little to no play in the joint. Try backing up in tight circles and listen for clicking sounds. A sure sign of joint failure! If you need replacements, I have used ones for $10+shipping. I also have a spare rack if you need it. Later, Larry Lmdew@hotmail.com

Thanks Larry,

 

The driver's side CV joint does have a little free play, which might be the problem, but the rack also makes a funny slooshing noise when I turn the wheel from lock to lock with both front wheels in the air. I'll probably replace the front axles with rebuilt ones, and then see if the problem persists. If the problem comes back, and it turns out that the rack is faulty, I'd definatly be interested in your used one. I also need a few more parts for my soobie (In case you are parting one out...), namely a couple of rear head rests and a EGR solonid valve if the new back pressure transdeucer I just bought doesn't get rid of my persistant EGR problem (but that's another story...) Unfortunatly, I won't get a chance to work on the car for at least a couple of weeks, because I'm going back to U of H on Sunday, and won't be back at home until then. But I'll keep your email handy. thanks a million.

[Gnuman]

Sounds like the CV joints. You don't do high speed 90 degree turns, so you don't get the vibration.

You mean I'm doing something wrong with those high speed 90 degree turns? Perhaps that is why the cops look at me so funny. . . .

[quocfixescars]

While you've got it up in the air, you should inspect the drive shaft U-joint and carrier bearings. Recently my 88 DL wagon had the drive shaft go and it did something very similar. As far as the steering wheel problem goes, when a car is in the air the steering it will always sound different when turning. Check for difficulty turning at idle on the ground. With the car in the air inspect for the obvious (broken boots, slop, leaking red fluid)