Clunking sound when making a right turn

[silverbullet04]

I feel it in the steering wheel when making a right turn only. It doesn't really happen when it's cold out, usually when it's warmer.

Replaced parts are..

Struts.
Control arms.
Sway bar links.
Ball joints.
Brakes and rotors.

I'm beginning to think it's something steering related.

 

[Homer Jay]

Intermediate Steering Shaft Lube/Replacement : Suspension & Steering

The clunking intermediate shaft on the 2000+ vehicles can be a major annoyance. This procedure will walk you through lubing the shaft, or if a ...

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Could be the steering shaft, although the sound and feel is typically felt in either direction.

 

[MelsRegal]

Right side CV joint

 

[silverbullet04]

Right side CV joint

Ok makes sense. If it was bad, would i feel the clunking sound also in the steering wheel when I make a right turn?

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

You didnt say you replaced the sway bar bushings.

They both can cause the issue from being worn, the whole sway bar is able to slide or rattle around when old and worn

They also need to have something friction-increasing like friction ttape under the rubber bushing so it doesnt cause it to slip inside the bracket

If you are having a clunk when turning and you FEEL it in the column ,its most likely the intermediate steering shaft, a slip-stick condition of the inner tie rod boots(old ones, new ones, cheap ones will all do this in the right condition)

Wear inside the column is possible but the clunk on the steering probably can be replicated at certain angles/overall rotation at set points rather than just changing direction, or rather than only under different weights on the front , would tell you a lot. simply jacking up the center of the front of the car at the subframe and then rotating the wheel with unlocked wheel (If your car has a steering wheel lock, some dont in 2004) will help you hear and feel it more fine tuned

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

Right side CV joint

that being the outer joint, the inboard joints dont wear nearly as much and would be less likely unless the grease was gone

The outer joint can be the cause but its going to depend, one could grab it and move it around

Failing to torque the axle nut or using impacts on the axle nut could contribute. improper torque on the axle nut will also destroy the bearing which can also then do the same thing . the wheel bearings need the cv axle torqued to provide preload to hold the bearing assembly together

 

[silverbullet04]

You didnt say you replaced the sway bar bushings.

They both can cause the issue from being worn, the whole sway bar is able to slide or rattle around when old and worn

They also need to have something friction-increasing like friction ttape under the rubber bushing so it doesnt cause it to slip inside the bracket

If you are having a clunk when turning and you FEEL it in the column ,its most likely the intermediate steering shaft, a slip-stick condition of the inner tie rod boots(old ones, new ones, cheap ones will all do this in the right condition)

Wear inside the column is possible but the clunk on the steering probably can be replicated at certain angles/overall rotation at set points rather than just changing direction, or rather than only under different weights on the front , would tell you a lot. simply jacking up the center of the front of the car at the subframe and then rotating the wheel with unlocked wheel (If your car has a steering wheel lock, some dont in 2004) will help you hear and feel it more fine tuned

I didn't replace them. Didn't even think to.. Easy job? I'll pick a pair up this week if need be.

I definitely feel it in the column 100 percent of the time when making a right turn.

 

[Homer Jay]

Do you also feel the clunk when the car is not moving? If yes, likely the shaft.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

I didn't replace them. Didn't even think to.. Easy job? I'll pick a pair up this week if need be.

I definitely feel it in the column 100 percent of the time when making a right turn.

the rear bolt on both sides is annoying, need a socket and wrench to fit on it wiuth the car body in the way a bit

high torque bolts of longer length

Id show me (send a pic) of the condition first before just doin it

 

[silverbullet04]

Do you also feel the clunk when the car is not moving? If yes, likely the shaft.

I do. But not as bad as when the car is moving.

 

[murat]

Were the strut bolts fastened properly after the strut replacement?

 

[silverbullet04]

This noise is annoying me now at this point. How difficult is the steering shaft replacement? Can I grease it to see if that helps?