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| Loud Clunking in Steering Column | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 1 2016, 11:27 AM (424 Views) | |
| AlanG | Aug 1 2016, 11:27 AM Post #1 |
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My 1997 Geo Metro has a clunking noise emanating from the steering column when I am driving the car and hit a bump in the road. I’m not a ‘car guy’ mechanically speaking but it sounds as though the steering column itself is laying loosely on the bottom of the steering column casing so every time you hit a rough spot in the road it seems as though the steering column bounces up, then down against the casing. That's what it sounds like to me! I recently had my inner and outer tie rods replaced and had hoped that might resolve the issue. It did not and Meineke, who did the repair work on the tie rods, said making repairs on the steering column would probably cost more than the car was worth, if in fact parts could even be located. They also said however that there was “NO” safety issue with the clunking noise. My first concern is in fact with a potential safety issue and secondly of course, to see if any of you have had a similar problem or can shed further light on the problem I am experiencing. Any thoughts would be appreciated.... |
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| suzukitom | Aug 1 2016, 01:47 PM Post #2 |
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Tom
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If the shop removed the steering rack in order to replace the inner tie rods, it is possible that the bolted on cinch clamp bolt from the short universal joint connecting the rack to the column is loose.. or possibly worn. If your steering column is loose you would be able to move it up and down. There are 4 nuts attaching the column to the bracket holding it to the firewall and dash support.
Edited by suzukitom, Aug 1 2016, 01:49 PM.
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| sser2 | Aug 1 2016, 01:50 PM Post #3 |
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sser2
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You can check the tightness of bolts that attach steering column. Will have to remove column's plastic cover to do it. You can also grab steering wheel firmly and try to rock it up and down. If it doesn't rock, then the column is attached properly. Otherwise, it is worn steering rack-and-pinion mechanism. In most Metros, rack and pinion are worn to some extent, which manifests itself as clatter when you are driving on a rocky road, as well as some free play in the steering mechanism. Some wear in steering rack is OK as long as car handles well. |
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| Stiffchezze | Aug 2 2016, 12:23 AM Post #4 |
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Sir Metrologist
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Very common for worn bushings on the stabilizer arm to do this too. Sounds like something very big is very loose under the car every time you hit a bump. But my first question would be, why did the "mechanics" at Meineke not see this and report it? ![]() |
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| AlanG | Aug 2 2016, 07:01 AM Post #5 |
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When I went to pick the car from Meineke is when they informed me about the noise including the fact that it was the steering column, it was not a safety issue, that parts availability could be an issue and that repair would probably be more than the car is worth. I assume the reason they didn't call me at home prior to calling me to tell me the car was ready is because it was something they couldn't fix or didn't want to deal with. We have a really good Chevrolet dealership close by so I think I may take it to their service department for a test drive and prognosis and see what they say. Always a chance the replacement of the inner/outer tie rods by Meineke may have a bearing on the problem... |
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| j63812f | Aug 2 2016, 07:16 AM Post #6 |
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J R
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Pretty amazing how they state that repairing it is more than the car is worth. Hence why there are so many cars littering the junk yards. I don't trust any of those places. If you need another steering rack just say the word and we have a spare that you can have. We can bring it out to Geo palooza on Saturday. Edited by j63812f, Aug 2 2016, 07:21 AM.
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| AlanG | Aug 2 2016, 10:20 AM Post #7 |
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The steering wheel is quite stable, no movement whatsoever whether the car is moving or not. Also the steering wheel action is smooth and spot-on responsive. I have to say at least from my perspective, on a smooth road with no bumps it drives like a brand new car. But get on a somewhat bumpy road and the car sounds like it's falling apart. It may be first part of next week before I can schedule an appointment with the Chevy dealer but I am quite anxious to see what they have to say. Thanks a lot for your comment and suggestions...
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| AlanG | Aug 2 2016, 02:36 PM Post #8 |
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Thanks so much for your kind offer and invitation. I'll have to pass on the Geo Palooza this time around but certainly sounds like an interesting meet. Once I feel certain that I have a good diagnosis on the issue I am experiencing with my car, I'll certainly be sharing that with the forum and if parts do become an issue regarding the problem I'll certainly look for more information here.... |
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| AlanG | Aug 15 2016, 08:14 AM Post #9 |
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Well I got the prognosis from the my latest diagnostic from a local Chevy dealer who I have high regards for and it would seem JR's (j63812f) assessment of my issue was dead on. They had it for a couple of days and the Chevy service department tech said it was slack in the steering gear that was causing the clunking. They said a repair would run me about $850 but the service tech said with as little as I actually drive the car, he would just leave it as is. For now I have decided to take his advice. I do, however, feel like I got a good assessment of my problem. The customer rep by the way gave me his name and number and wants an option on buying if I decide to sell. Guess that's a good sign...
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