I recently moved my other car (that my son has been driving) and noticed a clicking or popping which is felt in the steering wheel when you turn it left or right. This is evident upon the car sitting still (I understand this is tough on the steering) or at any speed. It does not increase in frequency with velocity nor does it exhibit itself more when turning (as a CV joint does). I mostly feel it in the steering wheel...I know my son has apparently recently hit a curb as the front right rim now has curb rash, a partially cracked wheel cover and white paint transfer on the tire. Yet, prior to this "incident", the car did not exhibit this behavior. I have not checked the u-joints at the bottom of the steering column yet as I need an extra set of hands to assist me and getting my son to help is sometime an exercise in patience. Ideas?

Thanks,

WhatFurrer

 

Tie rods? If he's hit a curb, first thing I'd look for is damaged components - it's possible something is broken and dangling/exposed. If it's 100% in the steering wheel then I'd be more suspect of tie rods over other items, I don't think I've heard of them clicking though.

 

If the clicking sound is coming from inside the cabin and you have an airbag then it might be the clockwork behind the steering wheel. Coming from under the hood I would first check the tie rod or inner steering rod.

 

FYI: Well, for those interested, it appears that the popping sound (and discovered, motion) was coming from the steering joint B (bottom u-joint of the steering column nearest firewall) inside the cabin. Luckily, this one can be relatively easily replaced. If it had been the top joint, that would have required replacement of the entire steering column...this particular part appears to involve loosening two bolts and sliding this segment up then off and then replacing...remembering to put red lock tight on both bolt threads upon re-assembly...

Now to see if I can find the replacement part...I do not think our local parts store will have this piece...probably dealership bound...Plan to check the remaining components after the replacement...

Thought everyone would benefit from the experience.

Good Day,

WhatFurrer