I have a 1998 Civic EX. When I turn right the steering makes a single popping sound when turning back straight. I can now sit in the car and move the steering wheel back and forth an inch or two and duplicate the popping sound. It appears that the sound is either coming from the inner tie rod arm or the steering box. Anyone else had this problem? Does the inner rod need replaced or will the whole rack need replaced? Thanks

 

check your tie rods dood. those and your steering end links. if you car is lowered or any suspension work those are the things tha usually suffer.

 

i have the same problem. I change the tie rod and the sound is still there. So its the springs that is not sit in right. My car is low too.

 

Cheap suspension parts an cause unusual sounds. How is your car lowered?

 

The suspension is stock. The car has 160k miles. I didn't know if there was a certain part of the steering that was more prone to failing. I would like to avoid replacing the rack if I can. Any thoughts?

 

I have a popping sound like that. A shop just checked it out and it was my lower ball joint. I am just about to do the teg front brake conversion so I am getting new ball joint pressed in the new knuckles. Have a tech look at it as it is hard to check just by looking just dont let them force you to have it done, like they usually try.

 

If you can jack your car up, and grab your rim at the top, and at the bottom, and move it back an forth, then you have a balljoint issue.

If you can grab it by the sides, an it has play from side to side, its more than likely a tie rod/rack issue.