Clunking/Popping in steering.

[Brian685]

My problem is a clunking/popping feeling in the steering during braking, accelerating... and sometimes turning. It has gotten somewhat worse within the last few days. I am 90% sure I need to brake pads but I'm not sure if this is contributing to the problem or not.

Thanks a lot for any and all help.

- Brian

<small>[ May 16, 2002, 02:27 PM: Message edited by: Brian685 ]</small>

 

[KYSHO]

It could be a subframe bushing/bolt problem. Bizzy as a pretty long tread with pictures of what happened to her.

 

[Bizzy]

KYSHO:
It could be a subframe bushing/bolt problem. Bizzy as a pretty long tread with pictures of what happened to her.

Yes..what a nightmare that was. Here's the link to that post.
http://www.shoforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=19;t=000370

But don't overlook other things also...like tie rods, sway bar, etc. that are very important parts of your steering system. But the symptoms you list were the same as mine when I first started having problems. Just make sure that if the recall kit was installed that they did it properly...with the nut on top rather than underneath the plate.

Most importantly, don't let it go on too long. A lot of repairs can cost less to repair now...before something breaks.

<small>[ May 16, 2002, 10:58 PM: Message edited by: Bizzy ]</small>

 

[Brian685]

I'm taking it to my mechanic asap. I'll check back with results. Thanks for the heads up guys and girls.

- Brian

 

[rfiltz]

Front tension strut bushing? Some have welds that break or rust out.

 

[TeacherTim]

I'm fairly new to the SHO world - I've been reading these posts about the recall. I contacted Ford when I bought my '95 and they said there isn't any open recalls. Does the recall all of you are talking about effect my '95 or was it certain years?

Thanks

 

[rfiltz]

Excerpt from NHTSA site on your car

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Consequence Summary:
IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

Be VERY careful if the dealer says it's done. Check under your carpets on the floorboard and see if there is a 2.5" hole cut in the metal with a rubber plug. Should be on the incline under the brake pedal somewhere. If the hole is there, then chances are they did the recall right. My '92 did NOT have the service done, even though the dealer system said it did!

 

[rfiltz]

Yours 'might" not need it. Also from the NHTSA says cars Manufactured: 10/1985 - 06/1995

 

[AutoXSHO]

Nope, it covers all Gen I and Gen II SHOs that were driven in the states listed.

Any 1995 SHO was built in 1994 anyway.

John V

 

[TeacherTim]

Thanks! I'll look into it further. Mine was a one-owner owned here in Arkansas, but it was a dirt-road car. I've spent hours sucking dirt out of little nooks and crannies, tighting up everything that rattles, etc. My point is that muddy dirt roads aren't good for rust and corrosion so I MAY be effected.