'89AccordLX(Rus)
11-01-2004, 04:18 PM
Hello all,
Problem #1:
Ever since I got my Accord (about 3 years ago) the front end has been making strange popping noises when steering at low speed. Here are the conditions when this happens. Now this does not occur all the time, but rather when the car has been driven for a while, often at highway speeds. When moving really slow and trying to steer the response is not fluid and is accompanied by "pop" sounds. As if the rack is sticking. Once the car is moving faster than about 10mph the popping disappears and everything is normal again. The upper ball joints are new as well as the tie rod ends. I have inspected the lower balljoints and they don't have any play as well as having the boots in prestine condition. So with this said, I am left to blame the steering rack. Can old deteriorated fluid cause this type of condition? I have no idea when the fluid was changed (if at all) so it is probably very old. Has it simply lost its lubricating ability and is causing the rack to bind? All opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Problem #2:
The front suspension also makes a rattling/rumbling noise when going over bumps. I noticed that this usually happens if only one front wheel hits the bump. The bushings in the lower arm are sagging a bit but don't look like they are worn to the point that would cause such noises. This leaves me to suspect the sway bar bushings. Has anyone encountered similar noises due to old swaybar bushings or other parts of the suspension. The balljoints and tie rods are ruled out already. BTW, the noise is heard inside the cabin, not outside, possibly because the swaybar bushings are attached close to the passenger compartment.
Any and all ideas on these problems are apprectiated. :)
Thanks in advance.
Problem #1:
Ever since I got my Accord (about 3 years ago) the front end has been making strange popping noises when steering at low speed. Here are the conditions when this happens. Now this does not occur all the time, but rather when the car has been driven for a while, often at highway speeds. When moving really slow and trying to steer the response is not fluid and is accompanied by "pop" sounds. As if the rack is sticking. Once the car is moving faster than about 10mph the popping disappears and everything is normal again. The upper ball joints are new as well as the tie rod ends. I have inspected the lower balljoints and they don't have any play as well as having the boots in prestine condition. So with this said, I am left to blame the steering rack. Can old deteriorated fluid cause this type of condition? I have no idea when the fluid was changed (if at all) so it is probably very old. Has it simply lost its lubricating ability and is causing the rack to bind? All opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Problem #2:
The front suspension also makes a rattling/rumbling noise when going over bumps. I noticed that this usually happens if only one front wheel hits the bump. The bushings in the lower arm are sagging a bit but don't look like they are worn to the point that would cause such noises. This leaves me to suspect the sway bar bushings. Has anyone encountered similar noises due to old swaybar bushings or other parts of the suspension. The balljoints and tie rods are ruled out already. BTW, the noise is heard inside the cabin, not outside, possibly because the swaybar bushings are attached close to the passenger compartment.
Any and all ideas on these problems are apprectiated. :)
Thanks in advance.